Slow Food in a Fast Life

Today we are standing on the edge – where we do not know which way to go. We are on the brim of a relentless quest – to run after money or to live life?

We are all living in a society of fast food and big problems.

"He had a nasty reputation as a cruel dude. 
   They said he was ruthless, they said he was crude.
   Eager for action and hot for the game, the coming attraction, the drop of a name...
   Life in the fast lane surely make you lose your mind.
   Life in the fast lane, everything all the time."
  -The Eagles

Due to the low cost and convenience, fast food has become an unhealthy addition to the average India’s diet. The extra-large food portions, which are loaded with salt, saturated fat and calories, provide little nutritional value and increase the risk of developing a variety of chronic diseases and life-threatening health issues in both adults and children. The most common problems India is facing today are:

Obesity

Fast foods like chinjabi noodles, momos etc are a tasty treat now and then, but when your daily diet is filled with foods from fast food restaurants you increase your chances of becoming overweight. Obesity can lead to a variety of chronic health conditions and illnesses.

Be it a residential area or an office compound you are bound to encounter a fast food an in the vicinity.

Diet-related obesity is on the rise in both children and adults; the amount of fast food we consume is partially responsible for the weight gain of millions in this country. One fast food meal, with its large portion size and high fat content, often contains enough calories to satisfy the average person's daily caloric requirements. Limit your trips to fast food restaurants to help reduce your risk of becoming obese.

Type 2 Diabetes

Apart from being genetic, a poor diet often contributes to insulin resistance, which leads to the development of type 2 diabetes in both adults and children.

People who eat junk food are at a greater risk becoming obese and of developing insulin resistance at an earlier age. Type 2 diabetes contributes to other health conditions such as blindness, stroke, kidney failure and hypertension. Lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes by eating a healthy diet and staying active.

Cardiovascular Disease

Considered the leading cause of death throughout the world, cardiovascular disease is the accumulation of fat and plaque in your arteries that can lead to heart failure, heart attack and in some cases, death. A steady, unhealthy diet of fast foods that are filled with, trans fats, cholesterol, fat and salt contributes greatly to the development of cardiovascular disease. Obesity caused by the steady consumption of fast food also raises your risk of developing heart-related issues. Avoid cardiovascular conditions by following a healthy low-fat diet and exercising for at least 30 minutes every day.

Image Courtesy : Haibye.com

Hypertension

A poor diet that is filled with fast foods that are high in sodium are one of the causes of hypertension, also known as high blood pressure. Eating too much salt causes your body to retain water, which will raise your blood pressure. High blood pressure increases your risk of developing cardiovascular disease or of having a stroke. Cardiovascular disease can lead to a heart attack or congestive heart failure and in the worst cases, death. A stroke may cause brain damage, blindness, paralysis and in some cases, death. Avoid hypertension by maintaining a healthy weight, staying active and by following a diet that is low in salt and fat.

Image Courtesy : Haibye.com

A healthy diet needn’t necessarily mean tasteless food. Today we know about plenty of ways to turn the boring dull unhealthy food into something interesting.

You can look a few healthy yet tasty recipes here :  Oats Spinach Masala Buttermilk and Soupy Yummy Oats

Go ahead, don’t hold yourself from experimenting. Love yourself and your family and ensure you do the best you can to keep them healthy and safe.