What’s the most delicious thing you’ve ever eaten?

South Asia’s food is a love letter to the culinary senses. From the syrupy sweetness of gulab jamun to the spicy crunch of chakli, every bite is a ticket to culinary nirvana. Sweet, savory, tangy, or melt-in-your-mouth divine, these dishes are pure joy and delicious. But for someone like me, this paradise comes with a catch.

My family tree is a walking medical chart. Diabetes? Check. High blood pressure? Got it. Fatty liver? Oh, it’s lurking in some obscure branch. If there’s a health issue, we’ve claimed it like a dubious heirloom. This shows up in our lifespansmost of us are lucky to hit our seventies.

Now, my wife’s family? They’re a different breed. They devour biryani by the bucket, pile on sweets, and still waltz through life with no health issues. They’re the ones hitting their nineties, active on WhatsApp, and probably out-dancing me on Facebook. It’s maddeningly unfair, and honestly, a little inspiring.

I’m the cautious one, constantly dodging the health traps my genes set for me. Staying fit and trim feels like a part-time jobcalorie counting, workouts, and saying “no” to that extra gajar ka halwa (my kryptonite). It’s exhausting, but necessary.

Still, I’m human. I crave those sugary, salty delightsgulab jamun dripping in syrup, spicy namkeen calling my name. The trick? Ironclad self-control. I indulge sparingly, savoring every bite like it’s a rare treasure. Moderation, not deprivation, keeps me sane.

South Asia’s cuisine is a gift, but for those of us with health-conscious minds, it’s a tightrope walk. I’ve learned to enjoy the flavors I love while keeping my wellness goals in sight. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it to feel good and maybejust maybejoin the WhatsApp warriors in my nineties.