What do you think is the outcome of months of festivities, celebrating one festival after another and ending it with a big bang with Diwali?
A diet gone haywire, stuffed with sinful sweets and irresistible delicacies. Result – you with a sugar crash and post-gorging guilt!
That’s just the summary.
The result?? Will get to that later.
This is a cycle which repeats itself every year. And every year there’s this acceptance that there’s very little you can do to fight it. I mean, how can you resist the piping hot samosas or the colourful modaks or the drool-worthy jalebis?
But is this indulgence just a phase or is it too late for the awakening?
Suddenly there’s a spurt in the number of runners. Post-festivities guilt-driven exercising season. And the Black Friday sales are making the high-end accessories affordable.
But how long will this phase last? Till the weekend or the next month?
Is this how you’re taking care of the most important asset you have, your body?
Sadly, this is the truth. Healthy eating habits are like another pandemic albeit no one is giving it serious thought.
Healthy eating habits have to be made a part of the lifestyle, beginning from childhood. Children have to be made aware of its benefits and implications. Instead of getting the children to watch you struggle, inspire them with proactive and sensible actions.
People need to be conscious that eating healthy can increase the risks of chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity and heart disease. Are they worth the daily samosa or vada pav?
Eating healthy is not boring, believe me. It’s more than boiled and sauteed veggies. There’s so much to try and experiment with. Brighten up meals with colourful salads, smoothies or even homemade pizzas!
To drive the point home, let’s go over the 10 long-term advantages of a balanced diet, even for children.
1. Supports Physical Growth
The primary objective of a balanced diet is to provide the body with essential nutrients like protein, calcium and vitamins which will make the bones and muscles strong, and aid in the overall growth.
2. Zaps Brain into Endless Action
Makes the kids smarter and more intelligent because Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and complex carbohydrates fuel brain function, improve concentration, and fire-up memory and problem-solving skills.
Also, they reduce the risk of attention disorders and learning difficulties like ADHD and dyslexia.
3. Immune System Gets a Boost
A diet rich in fruits, veggies and whole grains not only adds colour and textures to the plate but also strengthens the immune system to fight infections and ensure quick recovery from illnesses.
4. Nurtures Emotional Strength
A happy (mind you, not full) tummy regulates mood and energy levels. This reduces irritability and anxiety.
The production of the happiness hormone, serotonin, gets a leg up with nutrient-dense foods like whole grains, nuts, and leafy greens.
5. Inhibits Childhood Obesity
Avoiding processed and junk foods prevents excessive weight gain, keeping you and the weighing scale happy.
Childhood obesity can be easily dealt with by making mindful eating choices that maintain a balance.
6. Decreases Risk of Chronic Diseases Later in Life
An early start on the route to healthy eating habits reduces the likelihood of developing diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure later as adults.
Studies have shown that there’s been an increase in these diseases due to bad eating habits and lifestyle choices.
7. Improves Energy Levels and Physical Performance
When you eat well, you feel energised. Especially for children who are actively participating in school, sports and extracurricular activities, will feel a surge of sustained energy, reducing their fatigue while boosting their stamina.
8. Builds Healthy Eating Habits for Life
Expose the children to a variety of nutritious foods to create awareness about them. Let it not be something boring that puts them off. By building an appreciation for healthy options, their dependence on junk food will reduce.
Teach them about moderation and develop their lifelong healthy eating habits.
9. Boosts Self-confidence and Self-esteem
They may not realise it but by eating nourishing and balanced food, they’re sick less and can engage with peers actively. They feel healthy and energetic which positively impacts their confidence and self-image.
It also influences their emotional growth.
10. Teaches Responsibility and Decision-making
Adopting healthy eating habits is not restricted to children. Make it a family decision. Involve the children in deciding what to have, explaining the value and need for nutrition, empowering them to make informed decisions about their health.
The results are there for all to see.
It looks like a lot of hard work but it’s instead an easy transition if you weigh the long-term advantages.
You’ll replace your medical bills and time spent outside waiting rooms with renewed energy and zest for living as your body and mind benefit from the regular nourishment they receive.
Start today! Get your kids to plan the meal, add one healthy dish and enjoy the spoils together. Small steps.
After all, a healthy body is a prerequisite to living your dreams.
What better way to enjoy whipping up lip-smacking dishes in the kitchen along with your kid? Pick up your copy of ‘Cooking Up Stories With Little Chefs’ and watch the young ones prepare healthy, fun and simple dishes for you.
