DIET WITH A DIFFERENCE

Chief Adeyanju was a chubby man with a large, rounded tummy. He was a very wealthy and affluent man. Most people loved and respected him for his kindness and generosity but one thing they disliked about him was his gluttony and alcoholism. Although he was wealthy, his attitude towards food was something to get worried about. He never hid his ravenous love for food and alcoholic drinks. Whenever he wanted to eat solid food, he would always place a bottle or more of beer and would then ingest large portions of his meal. On a particular Friday morning in his home, he was visited by his fifteen year old grand-daughter who enlightened him on the importance of moderation in the intake of food. She made known to him the fact that every man is what he eats. “Grandpa, you can’t continue like this; you need a change in your diet as consistent intake of large portions of food and alcohol can cause health problems”, she said. Fortunately, Chief decided to obey his grand daughter and eat moderately. He called it “operation diet with a difference” because he began to see the effect of taking in the right portions of food and the abstinence from alcoholic drinks.
Now, the problem in our community is that many people have no idea of how their feeding patterns influence their lives and health. Many ignorantly eat and drink whatever they think will fill them. Imagine an individual taking large portions of “EBA” and just little portions of vegetables and meat. This kind of eating habit is detrimental to the health of the consumers. The basic rule for healthy feeding is called “balanced diet”. Balanced diet is a form of standard measure of food in their right proportions. The essence of a balanced meal is to ensure that the nutrients in the food are in correct measures. It is also to ensure that we get the best out of each meal. Diet with a difference is talking about a form of repentance from a harmful eating habit into a better one. Anyone who truly loves himself will try to give himself the best meal he is capable of providing. In changing the kind of food we take in, there are series of ideas that must be put into consideration. In fact, the purpose of changing a diet must be solely for our wellbeing. So, what are the factors we can point fingers at as the issues to be dealt with before changing our diet?
The first factor to be considered of course will be love of sweet foods. Many people literally live on junk foods. The essence of these confectioneries have been tampered with. They are actually meant for relaxation and not for sustenance of health just like a normal food does. It is a common problem that lots of kids love more than enough of these dangerous foods, and that’s why adults must lead by example by trying their best not to give their children the luxury of ingesting excess sugar and thereby endanger their lives.
Also, another factor to be considered is gluttony. Just like the chief in the above story, gluttony is the problem of many children and adults today. Some kids even seem so insatiable and eat in strange manners. This is not right. What many do not understand is that the proportion of food you eat does not determine the functionality of such meal. There has been an idea that when one eats large portions of meals, one gets the best. Well, this is a delusion as eating well is not the same as eating right. Many think they eat well by eating large portions but they are actually not eating right as the food they even take in can serve as a stumbling block to their perfect health. So, gluttony is a beast that must be dealt with. It is also the factor behind the popular health problem called obesity. The bottom line is that ravenous eating is bad.
Moving further, no matter the amount one has in one’s bank account, one’s money cannot buy health when there is a problem with the kidneys or the lungs. Many men today take in too much alcohol. They take in beer, alcohol and other drinks as relaxations and enjoyment. Little do they know that they are moving closer to their early grave. The truth has to be said now because lots and lots of promising young men are going down the drain of kidney problem. If a man cannot control his desire for a drink, how does he control his feelings and emotions in other situations? Well, let’s talk about nutrition most importantly. No man who lives daily on alcohol can sustain a good health for a long time. Let every man including women and young ones stay away from alcohol. Remember that a word, they say, is enough for the wise. Be wise!!!
Another factor is the ignorance and negligence that have filled the minds of so many. It seems like no problem can be cut away from negligence and ignorance as part of its causes. Many know they are doing something wrong but do not want to desist from it. While some do not have the idea of what their ridiculous lifestyle can do to them health-wisely. However, the solution to this is enlightenment by organizations and agencies. Whenever there is a form of education for the people, there tends to be change in the way people see things.
In conclusion, if you don’t determine and choose your diet, your diet will make you. You decide to be any shape, size and weight you desire to be. All you need to do is control your diet. Without doing this, you might not be able to get the bliss that comes with eating right. If your diet makes you, then you are on the wrong path. Take time to discipline yourself and work on your habits. Only then can you achieve what Chief Adeyanju achieved- a diet with a difference. Remember, only you can determine your health. Eat right today and live right after. Always remind yourself that you are what you eat.