New Delhi, May 12 -- We now live in an obesogenic environment - one where making health-promoting choices takes conscious effort. Ultra-processed foods (UPFs), driven by ease and convenience, are steadily replacing warm, home-cooked meals and shared family dining.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Varsha Shah, Lifestyle Physician and Pediatrician at SBKS Medical Institute and Research Centre in Sumandeep Vidyapeeth, shared, "Today's Gen Alpha is more likely to prepare instant noodles, pasta, or ready-to-cook meals than appreciate the richness of traditional Indian, wholesome food. There is a perception that legumes and dals are 'boring' or 'not tasty,' further distancing us from nutrient-dense staples. Alongside these dietary shifts,...