Obesity is a threatening disease that has increased tremendously in the developed as well as the developing world. With the ailment attaining a gigantic proportion, mortality rate has also soared high, in US alone approximately 400,000 people dying each year under the grip of this disease. As the prevalence of obesity has amplified throughout the world, healthcare costs have risen to $117 billion on a yearly basis.
Unhealthy food intake along with genetic, environmental and behavioral factors have led to the mushrooming of obesity epidemic although, food mismanagement remains the principal factor responsible for the drastic rise of overweight and obese people throughout the world. The perfect diet that gives the consumer a competitive edge over others in gaining control over obesity should be the chosen one but the task is not so simple. It is indeed a grueling job to pick up the best food item from among the different varieties, namely, fresh food, canned food, fast food and junk food that you come across once you step out of your home.
To enable you to choose the best food items that prevent you from falling prey to obesity, a comparative analysis of a range of food items and their functional expertise against obesity is detailed below:
Food Classification :-
Fresh Food
Food which is simply cooked without the use of food preservation processes like dehydration, freezing, canning or any other artificial methods is called fresh food. Food items like fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and poultry fall in this category. Amongst the different food varieties it is only fresh food that contains edibles which can be taken raw such as fruits and vegetables like carrot and cucumber.
Fresh Food and Obesity
- If you are already obese you should prefer fresh organic vegetables and fruits from amongst the available fresh food in the market. Fresh organic vegetables and fruits belong to the topmost category of fresh food with plenty of minerals, vitamins, photo chemicals, carbohydrates, and fiber in store.
- As leafy fresh green vegetables and fruits are low in fat they are utilized worldwide in obesity preventive measures.
- In conjunction with obesity, fresh vegetables and fruits provide over-all healthy benefits to the body by protecting us against high blood pressure, cancer, stroke and heart diseases.
- Instead of canned juice, fresh juice should be taken to keep obesity at bay.
Canned Food
Canned food is a special type of food prepared through the canning process. Canning is a food processing method through which you can keep food safe for long term use. In canning, the food is boiled first to destroy the intact microorganisms and is therefore kept safe for long term use by storing in jars and cans. The food items which are generally canned are fruits, vegetables, seafood, meat and poultry.
Canned Food and Obesity
- The fruits and vegetables prepared through canning are comparatively fat free as compared to other food items hence you should opt for them if you are suffering from obesity.
- On certain occasions when fresh fruits and vegetables are no longer available at a particular place, they are imported through shipping. The shipping of these food items takes a considerable time and so they undergo loss in freshness and nutrients till they reach the consumer. As a result sometimes canned food becomes healthier even than their fresh counterparts.
- You can also opt for canned sea food if you are afflicted with obesity as sea food; particularly fishes prepared through canning are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
Fast Food
Food items like chips, sandwiches, pizzas, fried chicken, hamburgers and chicken nuggets which are quickly prepared in fast food restaurants and served belong to the fast food category.
Fast Food and Obesity
Though it is better to minimize the in take of fast food as they contain fats and calories yet sometimes you are compelled to feed on fat food items for lack of any healthier option. At such crucial junctures it is better to take food containing lowest amount of calories so that you remain at a safe distance from obesity. To help you out on fast food selection a few tips are summarized below:
- If you are extremely hungry and there is nothing to choose except fast food, opt for a Grilled Chicken Deluxe at the nearby McDonald's without the high-fat sauce so that you consume the least amount of fat. It would be even better if you take the Grilled Chicken Deluxe with tomatoes and ketchup.
- Grilled Chicken Burrito is another approved food item for obese people at fast food joints.
- While taking any other item at fast food restaurants don't forget to substitute the sauce with other fat free option like lettuces and tomatoes.
Junk Food and Obesity
Junk food is any type of food that tastes excellent but has high calorie content and poor nutritional quality. Consumption of junk food by any obese and overweight can pave the way for complete disaster or annihilation. Junk food like potato chips, cheeseburgers, French fries, cheesecakes, hamburgers and pizzas contain excessive sodium, calories and saturated fat and so should be completely avoided if you are not eager to be trapped in the vicious circle of obesity and overweight.
Finally, if your BMI (Body Mass Index) is 30 or above increase the intake of fresh food, canned food and other healthy food items to the maximum level and avoid junk and fast food as much as you can. Remember that without managing your diet properly you won't be able to get rid of obesity regardless of whatever other options you try out to meet your ends. To know more on BMI, explore the link Xenical and BMI. |
