Many young people want to be healthier, it is just that they do not know where to start. For this, the first step is to figure out areas for improvement. A proper analysis works best with the help of a health care professional.
With growth and physical changes, youngsters slowly become more independent as they grow. Dietary options are one of the first decisions they start making on their own. However, they often tend to make poor food choices. Overall, they tend to slip on meeting their daily-recommended amounts of balanced nutrition through their meals. This balance would include adequate amount of carbohydrates (complex and simple), good quality proteins, healthy fats and essential vitamins and minerals with proper dietary fibre and water intake. In fact, young people often have an increased intake of highly processed foods and drinks that are high in sugar, sodium and saturated fats.
Making things even more challenging is the significant decline in physical activity. The extended lockdowns over the last year and a half of the global COVID-19 pandemic that have forced a new culture that includes prolonged virtual sessions leading to lengthened periods of sitting and sedentary behaviour; less indoor space; and also a general cultural void when it comes to physical activity and fitness. Because of this, vulnerability related to metabolic and chronic issues that include obesity, early onset of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and many more, has obviously grown.
But there is a silver lining. Many young people want to be healthier, it is just that they do not know where to start. For this, the first step is to figure out areas for improvement. A proper analysis works best with the help of a health care professional. Till then, ditch chronic dieting, food guilt and meal skipping. In addition, one should be committed to making healthy changes starting today.
Small Steps to Build Healthier Youth
The biggest motivation towards healthy change is the inner discomfort due to higher weight or chronic health problems. Small changes make a big difference for achieving a healthier lifestyle. Lasting changes rarely take place overnight. Focus on daily choices to move toward a healthier you. A few small steps can be:
(The author is a Senior nutritionist who is the owner and founder of Sugati- Centre for Diet and Wellness. She can be reached via connect@sugatidiet.com ; website - www.sugatidiet.com)