Ever wondered what Indian politicians eat for lunch in Parliament? While it may vary from person to person, Mahua Moitra recently revealed her staple meal in an interview with India Today. “I usually take my food from home. I’m quite particular about what I eat, and it’s a big joke because I eat dal and bhindi (okra) every single day,” she said.
Moitra enjoys the simplicity of her meal — and the fact that she gets it all to herself. Laughing, she added, “Nobody wants to share my lunch. That’s the best thing about having dal and bhindi.
They look at you and go ‘ugh, kya kha rahi hain aap?’ (what are you eating?) So nobody wants to eat my lunch, I get to eat it all by myself. ” Story continues below this ad While she enjoys home-cooked meals, Moitra admits she isn’t a fan of the new Parliament canteen. “I’ve got a lovely hot case from Vaya and I take that, and I’m very proud of it.
And it’s got a fork and spoon in it,” she said. She also occasionally enjoys meals brought by colleagues. “Sometimes when the Andhra Brigade brings lunch — two or three times a week — they bring keema biryani.
Oh yeah, I love that. Supriya Sule brings khichdi with aloo, which is great, I like that.
But otherwise, I have my lunch every single day,” Moitra added. To understand the health impact of eating bhindi-roti daily, we spoke to Ashlesha Joshi, fitness dietician and nutritionist at Tone 30 Pilates.
Is bhindi-roti a healthy daily lunch? Joshi says it can be part of a healthy diet if portion sizes and cooking methods are mindful. “Bhindi is low in calories, high in fiber, and provides vitamins and minerals that support digestion and overall health. However, relying on the same combination every day may limit variety in your diet, which is important for getting a broad spectrum of nutrients.
” Story continues below this ad Can eating the same meal daily create nutritional gaps? “Even though bhindi-roti is healthy, no single food provides all the nutrients the body needs,” Joshi notes. “Incorporating a variety of vegetables, grains, proteins, and healthy fats ensures a more complete intake of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for long-term health.
” View this post on Instagram A post shared by India Today (@indiatoday) Key nutrients in bhindi and their benefits “Bhindi is rich in dietary fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, and antioxidants,” Joshi explains. Fiber supports digestion and regulates blood sugar, vitamin C boosts immunity, vitamin K supports bones and blood clotting, and folate is important for cell function and metabolism. “Together, these nutrients help maintain energy, vitality, and overall wellness.
” Also Read | Should you avoid eating bhindi during winters? Expert weighs in How to make bhindi-roti a more balanced lunch Joshi recommends adding protein such as dal, paneer, or yogurt. Including another colorful vegetable or a small salad increases vitamin and mineral variety. “A drizzle of healthy fat like olive oil or a few nuts helps with absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and keeps you full longer,” she concludes.
Moitra’s love for her simple home-cooked meal reflects both personal preference and a mindful approach to eating, even amidst the bustle of Parliament life. DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we soke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.