Mysore/Mysuru: Good health encompasses more than just physical well-being; it is a harmonious balance of physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellness. Together, these aspects create a holistic approach to health, enabling individuals to lead fulfilling and balanced lives, said counsellor, chef and instructor in macrobiotics Shonali Sabherwal.

She was speaking at a session on ‘Confusion to Correction: A Macro Perspective’ last evening at the Mysuru Literature Festival being held at Hotel Southern Star. The other panellist in the session was author Anuja Chandramouli.

During ancient times, healthy food and eating were the primary medicines that man needed to combat various diseases. Eating the right food in the right quantity has helped humans develop immunity, keep deadly diseases at bay, and fight several infections, she said.

Explaining the macrobiotic diet, she said that it focuses on consuming large amounts of healthy food consistently. It is based on the idea of balancing everything we consume for a healthy lifestyle. It is not just about protein, carbs, and fat; it is about nutrition-specific energy coupled with healing.

“It is a healthy way of eating that integrates physical, spiritual, and planetary health. The macrobiotic diet is an organic, low-fat, and high-fibre plan that excludes processed foods. Whole grains, sprouted seeds, and vegetables are the main foods,” Shonali Sabherwal explained.

“Food and cooking styles also have energy components, and their correct combinations can produce subtle energy changes in the body. The biggest myth in Indian households is that milk is sacred. But dairy is high in saturated fats, interferes with digestion, and its excessive consumption can lead to numerous health issues. One can get calcium from other sources like leafy greens, beans, and grains, and use fermented dairy instead of regular dairy,” she said.

Poetry as an expression of life

At a session titled ‘Poetry – Communication beyond the Abstract: The Flow of Feelings as a Fearless Stream’, panellists Rugmani Prabhakar, Kavita Ratna, Sonya J. Nair, Sonali Pattnaik, and Rochelle Potkar recited their poems and elucidated their meanings and significance. The panel explored how poems serve as reflections of emotions, blending day-to-day experiences into a structured form.

They expressed that poetry is an ideal medium for women to articulate their feelings, emphasising the challenge of maintaining a continuous flow of thought while writing. They stressed the importance of capturing beautiful poems as they arise, completing them in one sitting rather than in delayed sessions.

The discussion highlighted a growing interest in poetry reading, noting that even dreams and contemporary issues like the exploitation of women serve as poignant topics for poetic expression.