As a community that prides itself on living long enough to see three generations of family drama and still attend dance practice for new-years ball, we must take better care of our tan (body), mann (mind), and bhonu cravings! Here’s how…
Cholesterol Is Not a Condiment!: We Parsis love our eggs – on kheema, papeta, bhaji, bheeda… even on ice cream if it were socially acceptable! But too much eggs-tra can lead to heartaches of the literal kind. Anything in moderation is egg-ceptible! So enjoy your akuri and sunny-side up with wisdom. Pair them with greens, fibre and regular movement. Cut down on red meat and processed meats that quietly raise LDL. Get your lipid profile checked, walk after meals, and remember: indulgence feels better when your heart isn’t paying the price later.
Take Care Of Your Mental Health: We are known for our wit, sharp tongues and sharper sarcasm. But beneath the clever comebacks, many hide anxiety, stress, or the big D – no, not Dhansak, its Depression. Here are a few practical remedies – Call up an old friend or a cousin you haven’t spoken to since the last fight over who got the taang no piece of that tatreli chicken. Try to attend community yoga or laughter therapy – yes, even if you’re laughing at how ridiculous it feels. See a therapist if you need to, there’s no shame.
Prevent Parsi Porosity (Osteoporosis): We may inherit beautiful noses and long life spans, but also brittle bones and low Vitamin D (thanks to decades of living inside baugs perfecting that chicken farcha recipe). To fix this, get at least 20 minutes of sunlight daily – wear a hat if you must, but get that sunshine. Also, consume Calcium-rich foods – not cheese, but leafy greens, sesame seeds, almonds, and plant-based milks. And get your weekly Weight-bearing exercises – lifting grandchildren counts.
Daroo – Delight or Danger: A little toddy never hurt anybody… until the liver sends a legal notice. While the occasional glass of wine at a Parsi party is practically tradition, moderation is key. Drink Smart – Hydrate like it’s May in Udvada. And follow the ‘One-for-One’ – one drink, one glass of water. Most importantly, know when to say ‘NO!’
Sleep Is Therapy: Rest is underrated, especially in a community that watches Netflix till 2:00 am and wakes up by 8:00am to make fudna-ni-choi! Sleep heals, restores and prevents half the diseases we Google at midnight. Imbibe these Bawa Bedtime Rituals: No screens 1 hour before sleep – you can try meditation or slow music. Avoid heavy dinners too late at night – stay light with soups and salads.
Blood Pressure: A salty tongue may be charming, but a salty diet? Not so much. Parsi food can be a tad generous with the salt, and that can quietly lead to hypertension – the ‘silent killer’ of many a fine bawa. Try to cut back on processed foods and pickles (yes, even grandma’s mango murabba). Flavor your food with herbs, lemon juice, or a light dash of vinegar instead. And check your BP regularly, not just when you’re annoyed at the neighbour’s loud TV.
Move It or Lose It: We love our armchairs almost as much as our armrest politics. But sitting all day (even if you’re watching old Adi Marzban plays) isn’t doing your body any favours. Here’s what you can do – Set a timer – walk 5 minutes for every hour you sit. You could join a dance class. Opt to take the stairs, not just when the lift is broken.
Diabetes – Not A Sweet Problem: With all the ravo, sev, lagan-nu-custard, and mithoo dai and chai, it’s no surprise our community is seeing rising cases of diabetes. For healthier swaps, switch to Stevia where possible. Have fruits instead of mithai (yes, chikoo counts as dessert if you pretend hard enough). It’s okay not to eat – do not eat because it’s time to eat even when not hungry.
A Gentle Nod to Vegetarianism / Veganism: I’m not asking you to forsake your grandmother’s mutton pulao or your Irani uncle’s berry pulao. But in between those indulgent meals, try including more plant-based options available in Parsi dishes like tofu salli boti, jackfruit dhansak, or silken-tofu-bheja-like cutlets. Your digestion, heart and the planet will all give you a standing ovation!
Your ancestors crossed half the world for a better life. The least you can do is walk half an hour a day and eat fewer fried stuff. Think of this not as giving up our heritage of indulgence, but evolving it… after all, even dhansak requested an update to a vegan version now.
Tradition Can Evolve: Nobody’s saying to toss out your grandmother’s recipe book. But sprinkle in a little modern wisdom. Balance indulgence with intention. And remember: there’s no greater gift than good health! So, dear dikras and dikris, eat well, move more, laugh often and don’t forget your annual consultation with the doc. Because a true Parsi doesn’t just live long – they live well!
- Essential Wellness Guide for Every Proud Bawa - 4 April2026
- Movement Is Medicine - 14 March2026
- No More Pain In The Neck In 2026! - 3 January2026
