Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of Kerala, is seeing a growing trend of eateries offering healthy and innovative food options. With a focus on nutritious and wholesome meals, these establishments are responding to the increasing demand for healthier alternatives. From salads and smoothies to oil-free and sugar-free protein platters, these options are not only health-conscious but also flavorful, aiming to change the way people think about healthy food.
The Rise of Healthy Foodpreneurs
Among the pioneers of this shift is Vrinda Vinod, who founded The Salad Bistro in November 2023. After losing her grandfather to high blood pressure, Vrinda was inspired to promote healthy eating from a young age. Her cloud kitchen offers a variety of salads, smoothies, and even sweets made with health-conscious ingredients.
Other eateries in the city such as Whealthier, Salad Caffe, Boiled, and Steamed are following suit, offering a wide range of dishes that prioritize health without compromising on taste. Boiled, for instance, operates under a strict no oil, no sugar policy, offering healthy options like ghee chicken, honey chilli lemon chicken, and boiled special chicken salad. The founders of Steamed, another cloud kitchen, focus on oil-free meals and have become known for their variety of protein platters and wraps. They even offer alternatives like protein bars made without sugar for occasions like Deepavali.
Health Benefits of Low-Sugar Diets
The importance of reducing sugar intake is emphasized by Dr. Leena Saju, a nutritionist at KIMSHEALTH Hospital, who warns that high-sugar diets can contribute to obesity, inflammation, and other health issues like high blood pressure and cholesterol. This has further motivated local eateries to offer low-sugar, healthy options that cater to both general health and specific dietary needs.
Customization and Innovative Cooking Techniques
Healthy eateries in the city focus on customization, allowing customers to choose their preferred ingredients while keeping nutritional balance in mind. Whealthier, for example, provides a variety of salad dressings and protein sources like beef, chicken, turkey, and salmon to meet diverse dietary preferences. In addition, cooking techniques like steaming, air frying, and toasting are employed to preserve nutrients while reducing calorie intake.
A Subscription Model for Convenience
Several of these health-focused eateries have also introduced subscription services to make it easier for customers to maintain a healthy eating routine. Subscriptions range from ₹1,610 to ₹14,970, depending on the number of meals and days. This model caters to a variety of customers, from medical students to techies and senior citizens, who benefit from the convenience and affordability of having healthy meals delivered regularly.
Healthy Food as a Long-Term Lifestyle
For Sudheep Suresh, who discovered Steamed while searching for healthier options, incorporating healthy meals into his diet has become an essential part of his lifestyle. He particularly enjoys their protein platter, which is filling yet light. Aneesh Krishna, co-founder of Whealthier, emphasizes that consistency is key for any diet to be effective, encouraging people to make healthy food a regular part of their routine.
As more people in Thiruvananthapuram turn towards healthier food choices, these establishments are helping to shape a culture of health-conscious eating. Through innovative menus, healthy alternatives, and personalized meals, these eateries are setting the stage for a more sustainable and health-focused food culture in the city.
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