National Nutrition Week – A Spotlight on Good Nutrition For A Good Life

September 1-7 is observed as National Nutrition Week annually, and there is a specific theme that is decided for each year- in an effort to increase awareness on a particular issue of interest. Spearheaded by the Ministry for Women and Child Development (MWCD), along with the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB), the theme for the year 2024 is ‘Nutritious Diets for Everyone’. The United Nations, which is a global agency, has a list of ‘sustainable goals’ that have to be met, and proper nutrition for the masses is one such area of focus.

The Significance Of National Nutrition Week In India

The saying ‘health is wealth’ may seem like a cliche, but it is very true. It is especially necessary now, because we have too many options available, and we may not really end up making the right choice for ourselves. Eating the right kind of food takes some planning and effort. This initiative by the Indian Government began way back in 1982, and though the focus has mainly tried to include specific groups which are prone to malnutrition, the idea that a healthy lifestyle is a birthright for anyone is a universally well known concept. This is why the present themes try to include everyone- as many of our populations do have access to food, but they don’t eat the right kinds of food. The very thought process of the word ‘diet’ to mean eating healthy food must be thrown out, and the real meaning needs to be taken into account- eating habits and preferences based on a variety of factors.

Factors To Worry About

Couple that with odd and long working hours, limited movement or an almost sedentary lifestyle, and various nutrient deficiencies, it is no surprise that India is emerging as one of the major diabetic capitals in the world. Lifestyle diseases place a huge burden on the health system of a country, and can cost billions of rupees in resources allocated to take care of affected individuals. Malnutrition is a commonly faced issue by specific swathes of the population with almost no access to resources like a stable income, jobs, education, sanitation etc. On the other end however is the issue of ‘hidden hunger’ or nutritional deficiencies that still strike, even if you seem to be healthy or obese. What does this tell us? That being below 25 BMI is not all, but eating a nutritious and balanced diet is key to supplying all minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, fats and proteins needed by our body to thrive- mentally and physically.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, all we can do is eat on time, eat well, drink the requisite 2 litres of water per day or even more as needed, and get some exercise. Going to the gym may not be the preferred pastime for many of us, but that is totally okay. Just get some movement into your day- in the form of a walk, or a swim, a run, some dancing to your favourite music, or aerobics- whatever you’d like actually! The World Health Organization (WHO) has outlined this simple fact- that 150 minutes of activity every week is the way to go, to maintain good cardiovascular health, and keep most lifestyle related disorders- like diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, obesity, stroke or even depression at times. You manage to do most of this and you have pretty good chances of living a long, healthy life.