We are what we eat

As we start the new year, a lot of resolutions will again be made and, without fail, we will not follow all of them anyway. But we try and every year, we would like to start on a clean slate. Let us try once more to change our diets because we are what we eat.

- CHIT U. JUAN

I have a story of two dogs who were born in the farm. One of them stayed at the farm and feeds on some dog food, fresh buko (young coconut) and is free to forage around the farm. His sibling was brought to an exclusive village, fed only dog food and could only walk around the small property where the house stands.

A year after, we can compare them. The one who walks the farm, feeds on coconut and forages is a healthy, happy dog. The one who grew up confined is grumpy, barks at everyone but has a slender body and a nice coat, owing to frequent baths with madre de cacao shampoo. Even for dogs, their appearance is largely due to diet and their lifestyle. I believe it is the same for humans.

When you see a family with many obese members, they probably feed on a lot of meat, fast food, high fat and low fiber. It is not just heredity that causes us to be obese but the lifestyle our family espouses. So, look back at what is served at home.

Of late, many teenagers are on the heavy side because of our changing dietary habits. It seems normal to be obese, as people with large middles can wear tight-fitting t-shirts with much confidence.

When and if they choose to change eating habits due to sickness, it may be too late to ward off diabetes and kidney disease, or even strokes. That is the scary part. They can have healthy genes but poor eating habits.

So, can we resolve to have healthier eating habits this year?