For most of us living in Asia, we love flavourful Asian food big on texture and taste, like our stir-fries and heritage street food. But some of these dishes can be rather unhealthy, especially when they use lots of oil and salt. Here, we ask Raja Jesrina Arshad, founder of online health and wellness platform PurelyB (www.purelyb.com), how to make Asian meals healthier but still as tasty.
Raja’s site, which features recipes as well as stories about nutrition, health and mindfulness, has a following in Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia and Hong Kong. The Kuala Lumpur-based Malaysian was the former head of digital marketing at satellite television and radio operator Astro. She founded PurelyB in 2015 and quit her job to run the site full time after a month.
Text: Rebecca Lynne Tan/The Straits Times / Photos: The Straits Times, 123rf.com, Pixabay
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“I wanted to create a community to inspire and educate people who are seeking healthy lifestyles. There was no platform that was specifically targeted at those who live in Asia who want to learn more about how to live healthily. In Asia, there was also a lack of awareness of what it means to be healthy and eat healthy.
The perception was that eating healthy meant boring, bland food such as salads and that you could not enjoy local street food, and that is not true. If you want local food, you can make healthier versions using natural ingredients without comprising on the taste. The website offers a range of healthy recipes with local flavours.”
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“I make nasi lemak with quinoa and quinoa goreng with chilli and vegetables. I also use liquid aminos or tamari as a substitute for soya sauce, as these sauces do not contain gluten. Instead of vegetable or sunflower oil, I opt for coconut oil, which is known to improve digestion and promote heart health.”
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“I think it is good to understand what you are eating. If you are dining out, ask what is in the dish. Even though I am allergic to wheat, dairy, eggs, gluten and shellfish, it is not difficult for me to dine out because I find out what is in the dishes before I order them.
It is good to observe how your body reacts to certain types of foods. After I cut out certain foods, my rashes, migraines and constipation disappeared.”
“Raw cacao powder and cacao nibs, cashew nuts, walnuts and almonds, and apple cider vinegar, which I use in salad dressings.
I also make sure I have coconut oil, some form of noodles such as gluten-free pasta, as well as tropical fruit and superfood powders such as spirulina and maca for my breakfast smoothies.”
“Spirulina, spinach or whatever leafy vegetable I have in the fridge, raw cacao powder, banana, apple and organic coconut milk. I make and drink it on the go. It gives me the perfect energy boost to start the day.”
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“Oh, yes. I love peanut butter. I used to bake quite a bit too and would try any recipe I found interesting. I would also bake anything I was craving such as chocolate chip cookies.
I especially loved peanut chocolate fudge with a biscuit base, as well as fruit tarts, trifle and creme brulee. But these days, because of my food intolerances, I don’t eat these things as much. So, for dessert, I often indulge in home-made peanut butter fudge and vegan ice cream.”
“I have chocolate cravings every now and then.
So, when I do, I make a raw dark chocolate peanut butter brownie with coconut oil, dates, coconut nectar or honey (if you need some extra sweetness), yeast extract, raw cacao powder, hazelnuts and organic peanut butter made with only peanuts.
It is easy – everything goes into the food processor and you blend it until you get a thick paste. Spread it into a pan and leave it to set in the fridge. Or just eat the paste.”
Try this Peanut Butter Choc Cookies recipe!
“French fries. Fries can be healthy if you bake them. At home, I make fries with potatoes and sweet potatoes. I also make spinach and kale chips. These are the perfect snack foods when you get the munchies.”
“Kitchen by Food Rebel in Stanley Street (above) is great because it serves hormone-free meats and has a good range of gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. I like that it infuses local flavours into its dishes.
I also go to Grain Traders at Capital Green, Afterglow in Keong Saik Road and The Lokal in Neil Road, because they have tasty dishes that suit my dietary restrictions.
In Kuala Lumpur, I like Cilantro Restaurant & Wine Bar at Micasa All Suites Hotel for celebratory occasions such as birthdays.”
“In Hong Kong, I love Grassroots Pantry in Sheung Wan. It is a vegan cafe, but it has everything, from satay made with mushrooms to lasagne. It may not serve meat, but the flavours of its dishes are not compromised.
In Los Angeles, I like Gracias Madre in West Hollywood. It serves Mexican, organic vegan fare. I like all the dishes there, including its nachos, quesadillas and enchiladas.
In Kuala Lumpur, I like Fittie Sense (above) in Bangsar. It has delicious desserts, protein bowls and shakes made with natural ingredients.”