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Abstract

India has the largest number of persons born in the country who are now living outside its borders. Migration involves interaction of different cultures, the culture that themigrants bring from their home country, and the culture they encounter in thehost country. Settling in a new region poses many challenges, irrespective of immigrants’ backgrounds. With regard to food habits, immigrants are influenced by the food culture of the majority and hence change their dietary habits. Food plays an integral role in Punjabi culture and Sikh religious practice,asa celebratory symbol serves as a means of preserving culture and as an offering to God. The influence of the host countries has affected different generations of Punjabi Indiansdifferently. First generation Punjabi Indians tend to hold on to traditional Punjabidietary pattern, whereasproceeding generations are more likely to adopt a more Western stylediet or a combination of Indian and American foods. The cumulative effect of numerous lifestyle changes upon acculturation to the foreign land has resulted in a number of health disparities negatively affecting Punjabi immigrants. The changing dietary pattern of Punjabi Diaspora towards unhealthier pattern has exposed them higher risk of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.  There is a need to determine the degree to which dietary counselling should be focused on maintaining traditional eating habits and adopting the smart food choices while living in foreignland. 

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