Obesity has been engaging the attention of many social, community and political groups in recent times because of the rapid growth of this medical condition among all age groups. Various activities are being initiated at present to raise people’s awareness of this health problem. Some of the main causes of this health issues include a combination of excessive food energy intake, lack of physical activity and genetic susceptibility.
In our country, walking is not as common as it used to be. The heavy flow of traffic in many areas could be reduced if some people walked short distances rather than used their cars or patronized the “short-drop” taxis. No longer do we make the time to take an evening stroll. Sports have become more of a competition and less of a way to play and have fun. Even our kids choose to stay inside and play video games because that type of activity has become the new definition of fun. Inventions like the Wifi and the Xbox Kinect possess games that incorporate sports. However, nothing beats actually being outside and exercising the limbs.
Poor diet is also a leading cause of obesity. A look at some of the food we Hindus indulge in provides a sure recipe for obesity. We partake of too many bags of prasad that is made from ghee, oil, sugar and flour. Not to mention the meethai, coconut barfi, rasgula, ladoo and pera, all sugar-laced products! Let’s not forget the bhojan (food) we have after the devotional service: channa and aloo, karhi, rice, mango, chataigne, tomatoes chokha and, of course, the paratha roti – all oil-based and heavy carbohydrates. Then, when we’re at home, mother prepares every child’s favourite meal – fry aloo and roti. That meal combines two carbohydrates and oil. Such foods that are common to Hindus must be changed if we want to extend our life span and the quality of life.
So how can we go about preventing obesity? Well, here are a few tips that I have tried and have proven to be quite successful:
- Instead of coming home from work and turning on the television, take a walk around the savannah or even a few laps around the yard.
- Teenagers can organize football or cricket around the community with their friends, instead of going to Movietowne.
- Join a local gym or find a partner to exercise with in your free time.
- Educate yourself on the various food groups and, if it’s helpful, then hang the food pyramid on your refrigerator.
- Pick up a banana or mango for a change rather than going out for a doubles or eating a box of fries.
- Gradually change the way you eat by not eating so late at night.
- Partake in a small amount of prasad, rather than eating the entire bag.
- Drinking water is also a huge change that will benefit you. I can personally say that since I stopped drinking carbonated beverages, I care less about them. I always have water handy. Water is essential to your daily diet and it is recommended that you drink eight glasses a day.
Once you have managed to change the way that you live, then it is not very hard to control. A little indulgence once in a while will do no harm but control is the key to keeping up with a diet. My health and wellness professor says one should eat to live and not live to eat.
Kavita Ramsahai
University of Central Florida: Health Sciences Pre- Clinical
Age :19
