A kosher diet is based on traditional Jewish law, and followers are expected to adhere to their strict dietary standards. A kosher diet is very strict when it comes to proper food pairings. It does not allow eating meat and dairy products together. Diet also has restrictions on the way food is cooked and eaten.

As for processed foods, they require ‘kosher certification’ to be allowed for consumption. For many Jews, this diet has more to do with their religious beliefs than with weight loss or following a health care regimen. Health Shots consults with dietician Kejal Shah, who sheds light on what is allowed in a kosher diet and other rules to follow.

What is a kosher diet?

The word kosher means suitable or proper, and it refers to food that the rules of Jewish law allow you to eat. A kosher diet is a set of dietary rules and guidelines followed by people of the Jewish faith. “The rules and regulations of a kosher diet are based on the laws of kashrut in the Torah. Therefore, kosher diet foods include restrictions on certain types of animals and food combinations. Dietary rules also regulate how food should be prepared and consumed,” Shaw said. Some key elements of a kosher diet include eating only certain types of meat that have been properly slaughtered and prepared, avoiding mixing dairy and meat products, and following specific guidelines for kosher certification on processed foods.

What can you eat on a kosher diet?

Wondering what makes food kosher? In a kosher diet, people are allowed to eat foods that conform to the dietary rules outlined in Jewish tradition. Some examples of foods that are generally considered kosher are:

• Animals that chew their cud and tear their hooves like cows, sheep and goats
• Poultry properly slaughtered according to kosher laws, such as chicken and turkey
• Fins and scaly fish such as salmon, tuna and trout.
• Fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes
• Dairy products from kosher animals are not mixed with meat products

Also Read: Switching To A Vegan Diet? Beware of its 6 side effects

What Should You Avoid Eating on a Kosher Diet?

In a kosher diet, certain types of food are prohibited or considered non-kosher. What foods are not kosher? Some examples of foods that are generally not allowed in a kosher diet include:

• Pork and its by-products
• Shellfish and other fish without fins and scales
• Birds of prey like eagles and vultures
• Insects and other creepy-crawly creatures
• Mixing dairy and meat products in the same meal or cooking utensils

How do you pair foods in a kosher diet?

In a kosher diet, there are specific rules and guidelines for pairing and combining different types of foods. Some key principles for food pairing in a kosher diet are:

1. Separation of dairy and meat products

One of the basic rules of the kosher diet is the separation of dairy and meat products. This means dairy and meat should not be cooked or eaten together in the same meal. Additionally, kosher kitchens typically have a variety of utensils, cookware, and serving dishes for dairy and meat products.

2. Purv Foods

Parve, or pareve, refers to foods that are dairy or meat free and do not contain any dairy or meat derivatives. These foods are considered neutral and can be eaten with dairy or meat products. Common Parv foods include fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes.

3. Fish and dairy products

According to kosher dietary rules, fish is considered neutral and can be eaten with milk or parv foods, but not with meat products. This allows more flexibility in meal planning and pairing options.

Overall, the key to pairing foods in a kosher diet is to follow kashrut rules and ensure that dairy, meat, and parveh foods are kept separate and not combined in the same meal or cooking process. This helps preserve the sanctity and integrity of kosher food.

What is Kosher Diet Certification?

Kosher diet certification is a certification process by kosher certifying agencies that food products conform to Jewish dietary laws. Food producers undergo inspections to receive a certification symbol called a hesher, indicating that the product is kosher-approved. Consumers look for these symbols to verify that the food fits their dietary restrictions and religious practices.

What to keep in mind when following a kosher diet?

When following a kosher diet, there are several important points to keep in mind to ensure you adhere to the dietary rules of kashrut. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Choose kosher-approved animals for meat and fish with wings and scales.
• Ensure meat and poultry are slaughtered and prepared according to kosher laws.
• Keep dairy and meat products separate and use designated utensils and cookware.
• Look for kosher certification symbols on packaged foods.
• Avoid prohibited foods such as pork, shellfish, and certain birds.
• Respect the dietary restrictions of others and follow kosher guidelines when sharing meals.

Sample meal options for those on a kosher diet

1. Grilled Salmon with Quinoa and Roasted Vegetables
2. Stir-fry chickpeas over brown rice
3. Falafel platter with hummus, tabbouleh and pita bread
4. Vegetable stir-fry with tofu over quinoa
5. Roasted chicken with a side of steamed broccoli and sweet potato
6. Lentil soup with mixed green salad and whole grain bread