Bengaluru: In a bid to promote healthier eating habits among govt staff, the health department Monday issued a comprehensive nutrition advisory recommending millet-based snacks, low-sugar foods, and healthier beverage options at govt meetings, events, and govt office canteens.“Health as defined by the World Health Organisation (WHO) is physical, mental, and social well-being, and not the mere absence of disease or deformity. Proper diet and nutrition are also an inalienable part of ‘preventive primary healthcare and wellness’. While there is abundant ancient Indian knowledge on nutrition and diet and their link to good health, not enough attention has been paid to adopting this at workplaces. It is noticed that the food/refreshments/beverages served in govt offices and related settings are not necessarily healthy and do not promote healthy diet and nutrition,” said Gurudatta Hegde, commissioner of the health department, in the advisory. There are around 6 lakh govt employees in Karnataka.Under the new guidelines, govt departments have been asked to prioritise millet-based snacks during in-house meetings and breaks, along with low-fat, low-sugar, and high-fibre options. Fresh fruits, vegetable salads, sprouts and unsalted nuts such as almonds and groundnuts are recommended. Beverages should include green tea, low-fat buttermilk, and locally filtered or boiled water served in glass or steel containers, the advisory stated.For govt functions, exhibitions, and conferences, the advisory called for a broader shift in catering practices. It recommended the inclusion of millet-based dishes in both snacks and meals, preference for local cuisine, and the use of brown instead of white rice. Freshly prepared vegetable salads and low-sugar fruit juices, preferably sweetened with jaggery, are also encouraged. In cases where non-vegetarian food is served, the advisory suggested limiting it to well-cooked lean or white meat.The guidelines extend beyond meetings and events to include all eateries within govt office campuses, where millet-based food options are to be prioritised. Inclusion of boiled horse gram/chickpeas/corn in menus is mandated, while metal reusable glasses and plates should be used to serve food in these eateries.The advisory also outlined what should be avoided: serving alcohol-based beverages, plastic bottled water, and routine serving of milk-based tea and coffee. Additionally, the advisory stressed the importance of hygiene and cleanliness in food preparation and service, and recommended sourcing food from local cottage industries, self-help groups, prison kitchens, and nutri-gardens wherever possible.Hegde said the advisory aims to improve the overall health and nutrition of govt employees. The heads of departments have been directed to adopt and actively promote these dietary practices within their offices.
