Eat. Play. Read.
Our Mission: To make India a Healthier and Happier Nation.
A note by Founder, Aparna Shah
My family taught me the importance of a healthy lifestyle, which includes eating nutritious food, engaging in outdoor activities, and cultivating a love for reading since I was a kid.
But it is disheartening to see that most people today don’t follow the good and the basic habits and lead unhealthy lives. Imagine, if each one of us is taught the meaning and importance of “Eat, Play, Read” from a young age, and if it becomes a lifestyle, what a difference it would make to our mind, body, and soul. Health is the exquisite jewel that unlocks the boundless potential within us.
My vision behind the “Eat, Play, Read” campaign is to boost the physical and mental health of one and all and teach them healthy habits that will last a lifetime. Uncover the rare and precious jewel of well-being, for it bestows upon us the power to live our dreams.
Why the Need of ‘Eat, Play, Read’
Earlier malnutrition was a big problem in India but now there is an abundance of choices available. Unfortunately, the main focus is on junk and instant-packed food. We are blessed to be in India where farm produce is plenty, and organic produce is also available, thanks to the contribution of our Indian farmers.
In today's fast-paced world, it is evident that both indoor and outdoor games have taken a backseat, resulting in missed opportunities for individuals to build confidence and enhance their personalities. However, we must not forget the timeless wisdom of books, which have been our companions since ancient times, providing us with knowledge and wisdom. Reading plays a pivotal role in helping individuals make informed decisions in life. It is imperative that we prioritize a healthy lifestyle, and thus, our "Eat, Play, Read" campaign aims to seamlessly integrate this program into every person's life. By encouraging healthy eating habits, promoting indoor and outdoor play, and fostering a strong bond with books, we strive to empower individuals to lead fulfilled and enriched lives.
EAT Mindfully
“You become what you feed yourself”- this statement is true for both our body and mind. Eating right is all about giving your body what it needs to function at its best.
PLAY Joyfully
Besides keeping us fit, childhood play taught social skills, problem-solving, self-expression. As adults, we overlook its power for acquiring and honing these skills.
READ Curiously
Reading is like having a personal tour guide to all the wisdom, stories, and ideas that the world has to offer. It's a great way to unwind and relax after a long day.
It all begins with the Right Eating!
Just like a car needs the right fuel to run smoothly, your body needs the right nutrients to feel and perform at its best. When children are fed unbalanced meals, they have a high chance of developing weak immunity and subsequent lifetime diseases.
Here is how you can eat right:
- Add more nuts, whole foods like Seasons fruits, veggies, and lean protein to your meals
- Avoid sugary snacks, drinks, and processed foods
- Try eating more home-cooked food and hop less on junk foods
- Blend in natural ingredients for a home-made refresher drinks
- Include healthy fats in your diet, such as avocados, nuts, seeds, and less oil
- Opt for water, herbal tea, or infused water as your primary hydration choices
Cook your meals at home and practice mindful eating by savoring each bite and paying attention to your body’s signals of hunger and satiety.
Every Age needs to Play
When was the last time you played? Most adults think that they can’t play like a child anymore because they have passed that age. But a simple activity can nurture your mind, improve your physical and mental health. Kids today can name countless mobile games, but ask them about outdoor games, and it's a different story.
How can you incorporate play into your life?
- Encourage young kids to walk. Avoid strollers.
- Get kids,adults to play indoor,outdoor games instead of computer games.
- Introduce Indian games such as kho-kho, kabbadi, gilidanda, lagori,pakda-pakdi,luka-chupi etc.
- Try sports club, dance class, trampoline park, or games with friends.
- You can also try coloring, doing a puzzle, or playing a board game.
- Spend time in nature, listen to music, or spend quality time with loved ones.
Harness the magical powers of dawn and dusk at playtime. Embrace Play to bring a balance to your life.
Read, Be Ahead of Your Time
Think of your brain as a muscle. If you don’t exercise, it will lose its ability to perform its best. And reading is like hitting the gym for your brain. It keeps your mind more active, and engaged, and helps you grow exponentially.
What are the best practices to make this a ritual?
- Start small. Make reading a part of your daily routine
- Choose a genre that interests you
- Read regularly at a consistent time of day
- Join a book club or start one. Share your favorite reads.
- If you have children at home, create a small library space for them, as a parent, sow the seed for reading and start reading to your child.
And remember, reading should be enjoyable, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself to finish a book quickly or read something you don’t like.
What our Experts say!
Heemangi Patil
Nutritionist, Founder of Beingwell Nutrition
The importance of consuming proper and hygienic food is paramount in today’s times, given the easy availability of packaged, processed, and junk food. A healthy lifestyle can be achieved by maintaining a balanced diet and ensuring the intake of all essential nutrients required by the body. A nutritious diet, coupled with regular physical activity, can help lead a healthy lifestyle and decrease the risk of prevalent lifestyle diseases.
Gangotri Chauhan
Former Cricketer (Raj)
Chairperson Rajasthan Women’s Cricket Selcetion Committee (RCA)
Founder | Aadishakti Women Foundation
Play can boost confidence and contribute to an overall appearance. Nowadays, people are often occupied with mobile phones, which negatively impacts their health. By engaging in play during their spare time, individuals can distance themselves from such habits. Additionally, play can lead to potential career opportunities in various sports and games fields. Ultimately, it promotes the notion of “A sound mind in a sound body.”
Prafulla Wankhede
Entrepreneur, Technocrat, Columnist
I feel reading isn’t a source of entertainment. Instead, it is an art, a technique, and most importantly, it is a secret that helps us understand the difference between knowledge and wisdom. Reading a book enables you to gain knowledge. But its usage at an appropriate time is understood only after careful understanding, contemplation, and assimilation. Reading is a meaningful activity if you acquire this wisdom.
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YOU TOO CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Together, we can make a positive impact on our communities and build a brighter future for generations to come. So don't wait - join the EAT PLAY READ campaign today and let's create a healthier, more literate world!