One should eat as much home-cooked food as possible, outside food can be harmful

Have you ever observed that the table at special occasions is filled with more of fast foods be it sodas, sugary and preserved fruit juices, chips, cakes, cookies, and much more? But have you realised that the so-called real food that is pre-made such as instant potatoes, instant cheese balls, chemical-filled dressings or stuffing, microwavable foods, etc. are ruining the body? Today almost 45% of the global population is either obese or overweight. Most of the world's population is suffering from the problem of a high BMI, bloated body, dehydration, constipation, less successful weight loss, and excessive gain. But the question arises who are we to blame: the food industry companies or the Gen Z food influencers?? Well, it is difficult to decide. Living in a fast-moving world, the fast-food industry supplying processed foods; prepared meals; frozen foods; dry goods; baked products and even beverages has boomed at such a rapid rate that it has solely increased the FMCG sales volume.

Also, with the rapid increase in technological advancements, making the products available through ordering foods through various applications running with tempting offers and discounts and easy availability of vending machines at the nearest kiosk wherein just by inserting a coin in the machine or simply scanning the QR Code can fetch an individual a snack or a drink as per their choice without realising that such machines contain highly processed edible products which are not only unhealthy and harmful for the body but are a cause for increasing the risk of obesity as these foods tend to be high in fat and low in fibres, a combination that slows the digestion process.

MNCs and IT companies nowadays seem to use these industrial foods for their convenience, cheaper costs, and as a reward system to encourage their employees. Also, unhealthy food marketing strategies such as the use of appealing visuals, celebrity endorsements and popular cartoon characters create powerful associations between unhealthy foods and positive emotions that as a result the target youth and the children at large develop preferences for products that are detrimental to their health. Not only this, but fast food is also poised to become an addiction for children so in so if not offered their favourite burger, pizza, fries, or drink, they tend to become aggressive. And the icing on the cake is when the young generation starts consulting social media for almost every new buzz thing in town and many social media influencers and food bloggers take this as an advantage for their selfishness. 

Parents have tried unique and different ways to prevent eating fast food excessively but are in vain.Modern-day studies have proved that all these additives and addictive food items seem to be the “status quo” regardless of socio-economic status. People from all walks of life are consuming these so-called “comfort foods” without any forethought as to how these foods may impact their health. They are at a high risk of getting heart attacks; diabetes; BP-related problems and even cancer. It is of immense need that the children of today right from an early age are taught the importance of eating healthy and fibre-rich foods such as eating more whole fruits instead of canned juices; nuts and seeds; whole grain products and many other, inclusion of such foods will embrace their nutritious choices, and eventually help them enjoy a higher quality of life.

This will help in lowering cholesterol levels and controlling blood sugar levels. One should try to eat as much home-cooked food as possible as none of us is aware of the ingredients and the quality of materials being used while eating out. One must be smart with the food choices

(The writer is an educator, views are personal)