On Saturday, April 10, 2004, Saheli- Friendship for South Asian Women, a non-profit organized under the India Association of Greater Boston, held a free lecture and discussion on “Understanding Obesity”, featuring a talk by guest speaker Dr. David Ludwig, Director of Obesity Program at Children's Hospital, Boston. Nutritionist, Chandra Ganapathi, Director of HESSCO Elder Services, also addressed the audience on healthy dietary practices.
The talk was held at the Burlington Public Library, from 3-4 p.m.

Dr. David Ludwig presented the case that a low-glycemic diet can benefit everyone, in particular people with health conditions such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

He indicated that our obsession with dietary fat in the last few decades has blinded us to the problems associated with high GI. A high glycemic index diet isn’t just making people fat; it may even be a contributing factor to many fatal diseases in humans.

For thirty years we’ve been told that when it comes to diet, fat is bad and carbohydrates are good. That’s why carbohydrates form the base of the food pyramid.
It that was true why has obesity has increased dramatically, as has the incidence of diabetes, heart disease and cancer?
If Dietary fat is not the cause for the obesity epidemic could it be that carbohydrates that form the base of the USDA food pyramid is the culprit?
“Not all carbohydrates,” said Dr Ludwig. “ After eating a high-glycemic meal, such as a breakfast cereal, blood sugar rises rapidly, and that causes an outpouring of the hormone insulin. Insulin, in turn, drives the blood sugar down over the next three to four hours into the range sometimes below where it started (hypoglycemia). The body's response to low blood sugar is to secrete stress hormones and increase hunger."
“For example The North American breakfast, typically cereal or toast and jam, consists principally of refined starch and concentrated sugars. These are high-glycemic foods that cause blood glucose levels to soar, then quickly crash, leaving children hungry and fuelling a vicious cycle of overeating and weight gain. Low-glycemic foods release glucose into the body more slowly and evenly, stress the body less and avoid hunger pangs.
Hunger is the brain’s message that the body need calories and we rush out to eat and to restore blood sugar. So we think that one of the key physiologic mechanisms relating diet to hunger is what happens to blood sugar in the five hours after eating.”

"We know of absolutely no downside to reducing the glycemic index of our diet," Dr. Ludwig said. "In fact, the food that we recommend — fruits, veggies, nuts, legumes — have all sorts of beneficial health effects independent of glycemic index."

What does this mean for Indians who consume a diet rich in carbohydrates?

“Lay off the white rice and the Nans” laughed Dr. Ludwig. “The diet most Indians eat is meant for a farmer who spends hours toiling! Eat rice as you would a side dish. Pile your plate with fresh vegetables, legumes, dals and eat plenty of fruits high in fiber. These are simple changes that one can incorporate with relative ease. But these are changes that will give you tremendous health benefits.”

So where is the good news in all this?

“The good news is that Indians do eat a lot of dals and legumes, vegetables and fruits. A good balanced dietary regimen can benefit everyone in the family. Combined with a normal physical activity routine, a diet rich in vitamins and fiber is the key to a long and healthy life style. I would also like to add that an occasional indulgance is ok! Go out and eat a Gulab Jamun once in a while!”

Next ,Nutritionist, Chandra Ganapathi, Director of HESSCO Elder Services, addressed the attendees on healthy dietary practices.
Sharing Dr. Ludwig’s advise Ms. Ganapathy urged all present to make that most important change in the way we think, cook and eat. She particularly made a case for adding Brown Rice to the Indian table. Suggesting that Brown rice goes well with Rasam, Sambhar, sabjis and dals, she advised everyone to consider the healthy option of eating multi grained bread.

The smallest changes to our eating habits could bring about life altering benefits she reiterated.
Warning against excessive eating, she also said that the key to effective weight loss was also portion control. Too much of a good thing can also lead to problems later.

She also parted with a delicious (I know because I got to sample it!) recipe for tofuthis (tofu Chappathis). She also agreed, very graciously I may add, to share it with lokvani readers!

Tofuthis
1 Block silk Tofu
2 cups wheat flour
Salt to taste
Knead the dough using the tofu instead of water. Make rotis on the tawa.
Garnish with a lowfat spread of your choice. Shredded carrots, cabbage or any sabji can be spread and tofuthi can be rolled up. Serve hot or cold.

While the Sahelis and visitors listened to the discussion, we could not help but notice the spread on the table next to where we sat. After the talk we all got a chance to sample the excellent healthy fare that was laid out by volunteers. There was a delicious salad, Dhoklas, Tofuthis and baked spice Pita chips! What a way to convey home the message that one can eat and lose weight!

Discussion on Domestic Violence
On April 17th, Saheli held a discussion at the Cambridge Public Library at 45 Pearl Street, near the Central Square T stop, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., to raise awareness about domestic violence in the South Asian community, and of resources available to victims. Featured speakers included Anita Raj, Ph.D. BU School of Public Health, spoke on the topic "South Asian Immigrant women at increased risk for domestic violence: Why? What can we do?". Dr. Gouri Banerjee, Ph.D. and co-founder of Saheli, spoke on "Reaching out with resources, information and support." Monica Modi Khant of Vakili Legal, and Manisha Bhatt of Greater Boston Legal Services, shed light on recent legal and immigration changes that affect all South Asian women.

Food was donated generously by Punjab India (Quincy) It was well attended and extremely informative both in areas of legal battles involving DV and the accompanying immigration issues. Handouts were distributed pertaining to what questions one would need to ask the person in a domestic violence situation as well as a list of documents and items a victim/survivor would need if she/he would want to leave the abuser. Many good questions were answered and everyone left feeling a bit more empowered and informed about Domestic Violence and it's occurrence and repercussions.

In recognition of their public service, providing training on using computers to Indian-American women at Technology Center at the Cambridge Public Library, Saheli was invited to an event presided over by the Lt. Governor Kerry Healey and Gates foundation Co-Chair, Patty Stonesifer.

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