PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Dehradun
With the arrival of the monsoon, many people in Dehradun are moving away from deep-fried favourites such as pakodas, bread rolls and samosas and opting for healthier snacks instead. Roasted makhana, soups, sprouts, boiled corn and other light snacks are becoming popular as people grow more conscious about their health and digestion during the rainy season.
Dietitian Parul Goel said that people naturally crave hot and crispy food during rainy weather because it provides comfort. However, she advised that eating fried snacks frequently can lead to digestive issues such as acidity, bloating and indigestion which are more common during the monsoon.
Goel said that many people are now choosing healthier snacks due to growing awareness about nutrition, fitness and preventive healthcare. According to her, roasted makhana, boiled corn, vegetable soups, sprouts and millet-based snacks are nutritious alternatives as they are lighter, easier to digest and provide essential nutrients. She added that there is no need to completely avoid pakodas or other fried snacks. They can still be enjoyed occasionally in moderation as part of a balanced diet, especially when prepared hygienically and eaten in limited quantities.
Localite Ashish Bartwal said that while fried snacks are a common part of the monsoon season, they contain a lot of oil and are not healthy. Because of this, he has reduced eating pakodas and other fried foods.
Another resident Sunita Kumar said that she now prefers tea with light snacks that contain less oil. She said that fried food often causes gas and digestive problems during the rainy season. Apart from health concerns, information shared on social media and increasing awareness about food quality have also encouraged many to make healthier choices, she said.
