Can healthy food be made tasty for young and old?

While the move to ban junk food from schools and their environs in India is commendable and well in line with the thinking in western countries, some thought ought to be given to why there is a ‘connection’ between taste and good health.

It is obvious that junk foods hold sway over the palates of young and old despite the most vociferous diatribes against them by concerned institutions and individuals simply because they taste so good.

They offer the instant gratification of a stiff carbohydrate fix and elevate spirits with caffeine and sugar. So, the temptation to partake is indeed overwhelming and inescapable.

The only ray of hope seems to be if healthy food and drink can promise the same pleasure as their terribly sinful alternatives in as short a time. Then, the shift from junk food would become so much easier all round.

Instead of concentrating all their energies on coercing children and adults to deny themselves their toothsome cravings, it may be more beneficial if research can be done on making healthy food look and taste like, well, junk food.

That would not only save the street cred of youngsters — who would not want to be caught eating virtuous things like carrots and quinoa — but also pamper the well-entrenched tastes of the older generations as well.