‘Develop healthy eating habits into your life’

TDT | Manama                     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com   

Staff Reporter

Fast food has become a global phenomenon with many choosing to eat unhealthy foods over healthy foods for a variety of reasons. According to a Zion Market Research study, the global fastfood market size was valued at 244. 2 billion dinars in 2021, and is now predicted to grow up to 376.2 billion dinars by the end of 2028.

Choosing fast food over healthy alternatives on a daily or weekly basis can result in both mental and physical health problems. Speaking to the Daily Tribune, Moayyed Feroze, a coach and co-founder of The Healthy Conscience, said: “There are many ways to develop healthy eating habits into your life.

Firstly, it is important to mention that we usually eat unhealthily when we are hungry and have no available foods to consume quickly.

“Fast food is easier to obtain, which can make it more tempting to choose it over something healthier. Creating a planned schedule of meals that is easy to follow throughout the week is a very simple way to develop healthy eating habits into your daily life.”

A study was conducted by The National Library of Medicine, researching consumption and physical activity behaviour between 251 students from the Gulf Cooperation Council countries. 56.2 percent of students had consumed fast food in the last 24 hours, and reasons for this were due to lack of time to cook healthy food (51 per cent) and pleasant taste (26 per cent), according to the study.

Many feel as though they do not have enough time to cook healthy food; however, Feroze believes other reasons are the cause of unhealthy eating habits. He told The Daily Tribune, “Yes, fast food is cheaper; however, I do not believe this to be a major issue in the Kingdom as it is a very prosperous community.

“In fact, I believe accessibility to be a large determiner in people’s eating habits. There are fast food chains at almost every corner in Bahrain. Essentially it is always available, and most people will most likely give into the temptation.”

Eating fast food on a regular basis can have many negative impacts to both the body and mind, as Feroze said: “Fast food is designed to be highly addictive and pleasurable, a big reason why many people consume it. The issue is that when we are consuming large quantities of fast food, it is disrupting our natural eating habits.

“Also, when we eat fast food, it creates a false sense of reward in our minds, and tricks us into thinking we are satisfied, when in reality, we are only consuming empty calories.” “Usually, exercise and healthy habits co inside with one another. Moayyed Feroze highlights that the moment we start going to the gym, the moment we can come mindful of both our body and our mind. In turn, this can encourage healthy eating habits. “Becoming aware of what we are consuming will lead us to creating goals.