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Fighting the battle of the bulge

Eating out has become part of one's lifestyle. But lack of exercise can lead to several health problems

MEALTIME It is no longer reserved for special occasions

The desire for a trim figure has become universal. Plumpness and laughing Buddha bellies, viewed as appealing signs of prosperity a few years ago, are no longer the in-thing. Youngsters today are ready to sweat it out for that knockout figure. The middle aged have begun to make a beeline to the gyms. There is strict adherence to a low-fat diet. All this is not just to look good but also to feel great.

However, eating out has become a lifestyle trend. There was a time not long ago when a visit to a restaurant was reserved only for special occasions. The eating joints that have mushroomed all over the city are ample evidence of this trend. These joints also double as discussion rooms or meeting places.

So, how does one fight the battle of the bulge? The food served in restaurants is invariably loaded with calories. Even salads are notorious for their fat-laden ingredients like mayonnaise and cheese. How do people resist when they are served food liberally on their plates? For, despite resolutions, many go bananas the moment they lay their hands on the menu.

Changing lifestyle

A. P. Prabath, senior officer in a tea company who is in his forties but stays trim, says, "Eating out has become part of one's lifestyle now. I eat out at least twice a week with family or colleagues. But since I play badminton and walk briskly everyday, I can order my favourite dishes at restaurants and still remain trim. However, I am cautious if I have to eat out more than twice a week."

Eating out has become unavoidable for many corporate executives. What does one do when one has to keep appointments and when luncheon or dinner meetings are unavoidable? A. V. Joseph, a shipping manager, who is also in his forties and still manages to remain fit, says, "One needs a lot of will power not to be seduced by the exotic items on the menu. Buffet meals with unlimited servings also tempt one to gorge. In the beginning of my career, I used to enjoy eating out, but not so much now as it has become too frequent. I manage by limiting the helpings on my plate. I keep my intake of carbohydrates to the minimum. To avoid overindulgence, I eat fruits and salads before leaving home for dinner. I have also tried skipping a meal before dining out, but this makes you eat without limit. If alcohol is served, I avoid it, as liquor before dinner can increase your appetite sharply. I also never miss my daily walk which helps me keep my weight in check."

There is a feeling that `modern man' thinks too much about food. "There is a lot of interest in food today. People always discuss, compare the food served in various cafes and hotels. That doesn't mean we are all gluttons. There is nothing wrong in eating out, as it is a form of relaxation. It bonds families and gives wives a much-needed respite from kitchen work. Besides, who doesn't love eating out and trying out new cuisines? Yoga, which I practise regularly, keeps my weight in check. Thus I order my favourite dishes when eating out. Desserts are my weakness," says Prabha Vasanth, a homemaker.

Lack of exercise

The problem is not eating too much but rather the lack of exercise. Neethu Jos, a dietician, has some valuable advice, "Exercise is the main option to get rid of extra calories. Eating out occasionally is okay. But one has to be on guard if it becomes frequent. Many people don't find time to exercise. So, if you have had a rich lunch at a party or a restaurant, you have to go for an evening stroll and eat only a light dinner. And, if you are invited for dinner, fill your stomach partially with fruits and fresh salads before leaving home to avoid overeating."

Eating out

The message is clear. A sedentary lifestyle and frequent binges at restaurants are the reasons for expanding waistlines. Man was genetically wired to hunt and climb trees for food. The movement involved in this exercise sharpened his reflexes and improved his physique and cardiovascular fitness. Potbellies were thus non-existent among our ancestors who, spear in hand, stalked their prey. Obesity is the outcome of a modern lifestyle in which there is less activity and where one eats more than what's required.

The sense of taste is vital. Eating out is therefore one of the joys of life. With the exception of yogis and ascetics, man, they say, feels incomplete if his taste buds are not satiated with the occasional delicious meal. So have your cake and eat it too; but keep your body trim with regular exercise.

HEMJIT BHARATHAN

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