Health Etiquette Question # 1
We’ve noticed that there isn’t much discussion on “Health Etiquette” regarding food that’s provided to us in social situations and in the workplace. Before we address this, we would also like to point out that when it comes to restaurants and food provided in airplanes, we don’t hesitate to ask, is this vegetarian? Is this Jain? So now we ask if it’s proper health etiquette to ask if the food is healthy?
At parties, at the workplace, and in situations where food is provided for you, is it okay to if it’s healthy? We don’t hesitate to ask if something is vegetarian and Jain, why not ask if it’s healthy? What do you think? Is this appropriate health etiquette? Let’s start a discussion by telling us here:
Category: Health Etiquette Discussion
August 7th, 2012 at 7:13 pm
I agree with Manubhai.
What has helped me over time is always having salads handy. So, before I get dressed a plate full of salad helps me not to pounce on the appetizers.
Of course! We are all human, i get tempted too. So, I make a conscious effort to convert that extra calories and walk it off before and after the party.
At 300-350 calories an hour, I walk and walk so next time I know how much work is involved when you gulp down 300 calories in 15 seconds.
August 3rd, 2012 at 1:35 pm
Is requesting a Healthy Meal from your Host a “Social Taboo?” or not having some Healthy alternate for many a “Social Ill?”
A conscious host will anticipate any diet requirements of the Guests coming to the Home and when necessary will not hesitate to ask “Any dinner consideration such as Jain Diet, Sugar free dessert, Roti without Ghee, Is it ok we make only brown rice? And so on”
Any mindful Guest will scout food being served and make choice wisely, some of us who survived the epidemic of Cardiac problem, may eat some healthy alternate before going to the party – admire carefully many choices of the appetizers , presentation and proceed with the least unhealthy choices.
Politely bringing out healthy awareness or discussion is no different than admiring the choices being served! Let us see what others think?
August 1st, 2012 at 2:59 pm
The selection of this topic is welcome. Jain philosophy puts emphasis on BHAV(thoughts) and Vivek. Like you mentioned, we ask at gatherings if it is Jain food without roots,onion,
garlic etc and accept it as Jain food. IS frozen food acceptable to people who only want to consume Jain Food. Processed food and Mithai’s with water left in to referigerator etc.
Some times we help during EKASNA, individuals will ask if water has been boiled in the afternoon but rarely check when the food for EKASNA was prepared.
You have started a topic which will incite people to ask questions for the betterment of their helath and create concious awareness of the connection between food eaten and our health and well being.