Awareness in Each

I came across this article 'Eat Better, Lose Weight' in Health Today magazine. It is indeed true that the obesity is in high rise in Malaysia. It comes together with health problem mainly cardiovascular disease and diabetics.

Malaysia is a food paradise and Malaysian just love to eat; I'm a Malaysian too. Ask to choose between a bowl of cereal and a plate of fried chicken nasi lemak for breakfast. How many of us will reject the delicious nasi lemak and go for the cereal? Maybe few. Our hand will definitely reach for the plate full of nasi lemak. How about a cheese burger from fast food outlet and a plate of healthy balanced food for a lunch? I'm pretty sure it's cheese burger!

This is the highlight of today's topic. Not the nasi lemak or cheese burger but the awareness that Malaysian has in eating to live a healthy life. Most of the articles highlight the healthy way of eating to stay healthier. But, very few touch on the awareness on healthy eating habit among people.It's pretty hard to create awareness in a larger scale. Maybe we can start in a smaller scale; schools. By giving talks on healthy eating habits though not a good choice(students easily get bored with talks) but it does help. Students can know what to eat and avoid in their daily life. To add this, it's better to start from the most basic in every school ;canteens. The school should choose tenders that offering more healthier and affordable choices. By having healthier choices, students get direct access to better eating style. Eventually, this will become their habit in their life.

Question may arise on how far we can control student's eating habit once they step out from the school. Fast food and junk food! Students love them to every bit. Interestingly, fast food outlet offering cheaper meal and it's easily available. This will draw more attention to fast food.This is where family need to step in. Parents should be aware that fast food is not the right choice for both of them.It's sad to see when parents themselves bring their kids to fast food outlet for meal especially for breakfast early in the morning. No matter how busy is the parents, it's always easy to do sandwiches or prepare a bowl of cereal for the kids. I'm not criticizing fast food but I do hope everyone will reduce fast food in daily life and go for more healthier choice.

It's always good to see students bring their own packed food from home. This is the changes I'm looking for in every houses. Better get start now!