Teens and junk food: an unhealthy fascination.

From the ancient age till now, food habits have undergone millions of changes. Our ancestors ate raw and unprocessed foods and today we consume ready-to-eat foods which get cooked at hit of a button. The trend of eating junk and processed food has cropped up in the past years. And from amongst all age groups, it is the teenage group that is following this trend religiously.

Junk foods are nothing but those which only have a high amount of salt, sugar, fat and refined flour. Any food that tickles your taste buds and the thought of which makes your mouth water is one which actually has no vitamins, minerals, or fiber and is extremely high in calories. Junk food include pizzas, burgers, French fries… and the list never ends.

Why do teenagers depend on junk food?

A host of reasons affect a teenager’s choice and attraction towards junk food. Let’s understand a few of them:

·        Junk foods are far tastier and lip-smacking than the healthy version of our Indian foods.

·        Easy availability of junk food at every nook and corner. In fact every food store stocks up on a variety of junk foods.

·        Inexpensive and pocket-friendly foods items available all over. This helps teenagers save their pocket money.

·        Media sources like advertisements on TV, magazines, hoardings, etc. make it easy for a teen to follow up new arrivals in the market.

·        Increase in the number of restaurants and fast food joints that serve greasy and spicy dishes.

·        School and college canteen serving junk like vada pav, noodles, samosa,etc. which is easily accessible and time-saving for the youngster as they get a short snack break of 15 minutes.

·        Parents not including healthy habits from childhood and giving in to the child’s demand for junk.

·        Lack of awareness of creation by parents and teachers among youngsters about the ill effects of poor food habits in later years.

·        Working parents who do not have time to cook healthy food for their children due to which they depend on outside food stuffs.

·        Increase in socializing. Parties and get-togethers which expose them to unhealthy foods.

Effects of junk food on a teen’s health

If you buy a new brand car and run it on cheap, low quality fuel, it’s performance is definitely going to be compromised. Similarly adolescence/teenage is a period of mental and physical development which calls for good nutrients, a healthy balanced lifestyle and food habits which if not fulfilled result in a few health issues:

·        Obesity

·        Heart problems

·        Hypertension

·        Type 2 diabetes

·        Osteoporosis

·        Skin problems

·        Hair problems

·        Constipation

·        Acidity

·        Poor concentration

·        Mood swings

·        Dental problems

·        Blood issues

·        PCOD in girls

How teens change their habits?

ü Consider food as an investment for healthy years in your adulthood.

ü Include a lot of fiber in your diet like fruits, nuts, raw salads, brown rice, multigrain, etc.

ü One or two junk meals a week is permissible. But try to eat all the other meals in a healthy fashion.

ü Carry meals with you in your bag like apples, almonds, peanuts, etc.

ü Make sure you have salads prior to lunch and dinner to help eliminate toxins and junk from your body.

ü Drink healthy drinks like green tea,  jaljeera, fresh lime water instead of black and white aerated drinks.

ü Exercise daily as it is proven that exercise increase self-consciousness and reduces appetite and attraction towards junk food.

In this age junk food cannot be completely exempted from teenager’s diet but reducing the frequency and creating awareness is imperative. A little junk here and there would not hurt. Moderation is like the key to good and healthy life ahead.

BY KRITIKA JHARKHARIA

AND UZMA SIDDIQUI.

M.Sc 1^st SEMESTER

INSTITUTE OF FOOD TECHNOLOGY