PESHAWAR: Shahpand Sqai, 80, a resident of Buner district still cherishes the simple dishes. He wakes up early in the morning, walks to his field and remains there till late afternoon.

Mr Saqi eats simple food and suffers from no disease like sugar, high blood pressure or diabetes.

Eating simple food and hard work are the only secrets he always cites when asked about his active and healthy life.

Old but healthy people relate the same story as they follow simple daily routine and, therefore, have no stomach disorders, mental stress and never suffer from multiple health complications.

“People living in remote countryside as well as in urban areas preferred simple dishes free from cholesterols but unhealthy life style has brought about drastic changes in their attitude,” said Dr Fasihuddin Zarif.

Octogenarian grower says he lives a healthy life due to his simple diet

He said that ‘Saag Sukrrak’ (green leaves, corn bread) had become a famous Pashto proverbial phrase which meant simple lifestyle and everybody could afford it.

During a chat Mr Saqi revealed that eating simple dish whether in winter or summer could keep one away from all kinds of diseases and doing hard work helped in renewal of body strength. Although much has changed regarding eating and keeping health habits but he still believes that simple food is the best choice.

Rahmat Gul, 76, another farmer hailing from Charsadda, said that people in the past used to eat simple food. He recalled that hard work all day long in the fields would trigger hunger and simple food was available everywhere in abundance.

Mr Gul said that variety of green leaves and by products of milk were to be served to the guests and the wonderful thing was that eating simple things and beverages in villages would never cause any kind of disease.

“This was the miracle of eating food. I get up early in the morning. After offering prayers, straight away walk up to my fields where I remain busy in weeding and caring of my crops till late afternoon,” said the farmer proudly as he took up his hoe in his crumpled hands.

In summer season, vendors could still be seen along roadsides selling Saag Sukrrak with Lassi.

Mastan Shah Kaka, a resident of Daudzai area near Peshawar, said that Saag Sukrrak with Lassi was still the most favoruite food with famers, daily wagers and workers in the fields. He said that villagers had different names for the simple food or meal, especially when being served after breakfast and before lunch.

“The simpler food you eat, the healthier you feel. Saag Sukrrak, Lassi or butter, fruits and vegetables can make one’s life longer. Better environments, physical excise and fewer worries bring in all the natural beauties to life and make it worth living. ‘Piaz Day Ve Kho Pa Niaz Day Ve’ is a Pashto maxim, which means that a simple meal served in a dignified manner is worthy of consumption,” said Dr Zarif.

Published in Dawn, August 5th, 2019