Does your youngster exasperate you with his/ her eating habits? Do they insist on making burgers, French fries and pizzas a part of their regular diet? Health experts are warning that with a change in lifestyles, there is a generation growing up eating unhealthy foods and following fad diets. Dietician Charmi Gala says recent times have seen eating disorders affecting youngsters at an alarming rate.
"Bulimia (binge eating and throwing up the food), Anorexia (starving oneself to stay thin) and Orthorexia Nervosa (obsessed with eating the right things) are becoming increasingly common. An improper diet deprives the body of essential vitamins and minerals and causes deficiency at an early age. Fad diets are based on popularity and not scientific information," says Charmi.
For a youngster, a balanced diet should comprise all five major food groups - cereals, pulses, vegetables and fruits, milk and milk products in the right proportion. "The right way of losing weight and staying fit is to eat balanced, healthy meals coupled with adequate physical activity. Setting realistic and practical weight loss targets by following a regular fitness regime is a must," she says.
Nutritionist Kinnari Doshi says that when it comes to fad diets, health effects can be permanent especially for teenagers. "Teenage years are a period of growth and development. If the diet doesn't provide enough calcium, phosphorous and vitamin D, it can cause osteoporosis, gallstones, hair loss, weakness, and diarrhea. Never skip meals, eat only diet food, take diet pills, or make yourself vomit. You may lose weight, but unlikely to keep it off for more than a few months. The more you deprive yourself of the foods you love, the more you will crave for them. Inevitably, you'll binge, and gain more weight," she says.
Problems of eating incorrectly
Obesity and sedentary lifestyle's are fast becoming common place among young adults. "Today, one third of kids between the ages of two and 19 are overweight or obese. Growing use of computers, addiction to mobile phones, social networking sites and television have decreased outdoor sports activity. The average amount of calories consumed per day has dramatically increased," says obesity expert, Dr Muffazal Lakdawala. "There are numerous health problems that stem from being overweight - type 2 diabetes, heart disease, depression, joint pains, respiratory disorders, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and low energy levels. Overweight girls have an increased tendency to develop Polycystic Ovarian Disease, menstrual irregularities, infertility and complications in pregnancy. Psychological problems include negative self-esteem, depression, anxiety and a feeling of rejection," says Dr Lakdawala.
What you can do
Nutritionist Miloni Shah believes that the key to healthy eating is the time-tested advice of balance, variety and moderation. "Healthy eating is not just what you eat, but how you eat. Don't skip meals in order to lose weight - eat frequently in small portions. Eat slowly and chew well and never starve yourself to lose weight. Follow a healthy regime - your aim should be good health and not to become thin. Breakfast should be the largest meal of the day and dinner the smallest. Incorporate ragi, jowar, bajra, oats, soy, maize flour, flaxseeds, walnuts, pistachios, almonds etc in your diet. At least 45 minutes of walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, aerobics or dancing daily is essential.
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