'We eat to live, not live to eat', so goes the popular saying. But the way most of us eat makes it looks like the very purpose of life is eating. No sooner have we finished one meal, we decide on the next. In Indian households, it is a common sight to overload the plates of guests with food, whether they want it or not. When it comes to food we seem to give the tongue more importance than it deserves. What tastes good, we consume in large quantities without realising that what appeals to the tongue most of the time is not good for the body. Taste is important, but what is more important is healthy and hygienically prepared food. Obesity, says a report kills more people than tobacco does, which is shocking. Obesity is now considered a disease, one which can be easily avoided with mindful eating and plenty of exercise. The problem of obesity is prevalent in traditional as well as modern households. In the modern household, the fast food culture and the practice of consumption of ready-to-eat food is prevalent. With both spouses working, people hardly have the time and energy to cook. It is much easier to stop at a restaurant and have some dinner packed. But the result is consumption of junk food with zero nutrition and therefore empty calories. The food prepared in traditional households don't lack in nutrition. But the food most of us prepare at home is resplendent with oil. Fried stuff is prepared on a regular basis. Though the food consumed is rich, we don't exert ourselves physically and burn up the calories consumed. The fat keeps accumulating in the body and the result -obesity. Many consider obesity as a cosmetic problem and treat it as such. Cosmetic surgeries like tummy tucks and liposuction are common today. It is true that being over-weight does cause damage to one's self esteem. But more importantly, it is a health problem and should be treated as such. It is also equally true that one should not be obsessed with one's weight. That could cause eating disorders like anorexia and bulimia. Eat healthy, eat just as much as you need. Crash dieting and yo-yo dieting however, are a strict no-no, causing more harm than good. Take the stairs, spare the car and walk. Sleep well. Studies conducted have proved that less sleep may cause over-eating due to hormonal disruption. Eat at the right time. Chuck the slimming pills, you don't know what is in them and exercise. Don't stuff your children with food and don't habituate them with fast food. In India it is the belief that it is alright for a child to eat much which is not true at all. An obese child will more probably than not grow into an obese adult. Obesity brings with it other diseases like hypertension and diabetes. So you are actually harming your child. Finally folks, we are what we eat. Please eat right.  Author: Pratibha Shenoy (Bangalore)  … [Read more...]