Cooking Practices and Food Intake Pattern amongst Adult Women in Raipur City

Background A survey was conducted in Raipur city, Capital of Chhattisgarh. Since women in the family takes responsibility of cooking the food at household level, it is important to understand cooking and washing practices and promotion of healthy cooking practices amongst adult women. Objectives To determine washing and cooking practices of women related to fruits, vegetables and rice and to elicit intake of different food groups by women. Methodology 50 women from the 5 zones namly North, East, South, West and Central zone of Raipur city i. e.50 women were interviewed first women were told about the purpose of survey and then a pre structured proforma was filled Results Eighty percent women were up to the age of 50 years. Almost one third of women follow practice of washing fruits and vegetable after cutting. Eighty percent of women wash rice twice in excess of water which may lead to loss of water soluble vitamins. All the fifty women use pressure cooker for cooking rice which is a good practice. Almost 71 % of women have daily protein intake in the form of pulses and sprouts and almost one fourth women consume non vegetarian food 1-2 times per week. However fruits intake is low, only 28 % consume fruits daily. Conclusion Many women follow cooking practices which may lead to loss of vital nutrients like vitamin and minerals. Thus there is need for such awareness programmes for women and adolescent girls on topics like healthy cooking practices.