DEXTER RIGSBY
IT’S THAT time again when caution is thrown to the wind as thousands of nationals attempt to wine away their woes at fetes across the country. Gym membership sores at this time of year since the need to ooze sex appeal at fetes and on the road for Carnival is hyped during the season.
Consequently, the influx of “newbies” at gyms doing frequent body checks in the mirror, hoping for personal miracles to remove several inches of waistline and shed significant pounds within a month is alarming.
Sadly, for many of those seasonal gym enthusiasts, their efforts at weight loss and/or toning up remains an exercise in futility due to their lack of commitment, expecting too much too soon, and unhealthy diets.
Outside of medical conditions, most of us are overweight because of high-calorie, fat and sugar diets while leading a sedentary lifestyle. Basically, we consume far more calories than we burn, a situation many revellers try to reverse at Carnival.
How many of us can relate to sitting for over eight hours a day at a desk and at lunchtime we usually devour a cheesy pizza, a chicken roti or fried chicken and chips with a sweet dessert and a sweet drink? Some of us may opt for a large tuna salad but nullify its nutritional value with unhealthy dressings.
Note that sugar and trans fats/cooking oils in the absence of regular exercise is the recipe for obesity and diabetes – ailments that diminish the quality of one’s life before cutting it short.
Children shopping with their parents at groceries usually feature carts and baskets overflowing with a multitude of sugary delights like ice cream, cakes and soft drinks. When we think about birthdays and anniversaries, cake, ice cream and alcohol may also come to mind.
Moreover, it’s almost unheard of to celebrate a Valentine’s evening without chocolates. For many folks, generous servings of sweet desserts and red wine are consistent with romantic interludes.
Additionally, copious amounts of sweets like marshmallows, sweet bread, crème caramel and biscuits are consumed at Christmas time. The result of which is an increase in hospital occupancy every January, as confirmed by Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh earlier this year.
The general population should be aware that the daily sugar intake for the average man and woman is around 38 grams and 25 grams, respectively. The sugar here relates to the added/processed version and not sugar from natural sources like fruits and honey.
Diabetes occurs when too much (processed) sugar is routinely consumed over a period, which impacts on critical organs and exacerbates other underlying health issues. Sadly, some juices and soft drinks contain over 40 grams of sugar. Consuming those beverages several times a week is juxtaposed to drinking slow poison.
Further, heart disease, stroke, and cancer are also top non-communicable diseases (NCDs) which are collectively linked to high cholesterol and red meat consumption. Notwithstanding, shopping habits and hospital data indicate that many citizens knowingly fol
