‘Keep children off fast food’

Madurai: Even as chefs try to lure people with their culinary skills, Dr K Damodaran asks people to keep their children away from fast food for the sake of their health. The celebrity chef talks to TOI.
Q: Unlike you, not every chef promotes healthy eating. Your take.
A: Children are getting sick with deadly diseases more than ever before. So I think, as a cook it is important to promote health eating.
Q: What are your suggestions?
A: Mothers should ensure that children have at least two healthy meals at home every day.Home food is the best food and every family should ensure they have at least one meal a day together as it strengthens relationships.
Q: Can you suggest some must-have foods?
A: Rice, dhal and ghee. A teaspoon of ghee can do wonders for your system.
Q: Tell us about the South India Chef Association?
A: I am one of the founders of the association which was formed with an aim to empower and motivate young chefs to give their best, and to help them find good jobs. It is an organisation which is funded and run by chefs. We have 3,000 members.
Q: So, it is an organisation with a social cause?
A: Yes. Members of the organisation also come together to cook and distribute five-star food for children in orphanages and homes for special children and the needy so as to give them a five-star experience. This is done regularly in all the regions.
Q: What is your advice to young chefs?
A: Revive, discover and promote traditional foods made from millets, which could pave the way for a healthy society.