The next generation, let’s call them the middle generation, who are now in their fifties and sixties, will remember a childhood when life began to change. They are a special generation because they know all about the hardships of their parent’s lives but they experienced rapid changes in wealth, education, housing and hospitals. They are the parents of the young generation now in their thirties. This young generation was born with golden spoons in their mouths. History is important. It is important to reflect on how times have changed, especially in terms of food.

It is only when we reflect on the past that we can work out how we have arrived at the present time, when obesity is rampant.
 

For thousands of years the incredibly hardy nomadic people of Arabia traveled on from pasture to pasture with their camels and goats. They sustained themselves on a simple healthy diet of real food: Meat, dairy products, dates, homemade bread and fish. In coastal areas, they traded products such as tea, coffee, rice and spices.

With the discovery of oil came affluence and change. These changes included an influx of foreign workers from all around the world, who introduced their own cuisines.

In recent years restaurant chains and fast food outlets have appeared to take advantage of the wealth and the need for ready-made meals.

Saudis belonging to the middle generation and long-term expatriates have witnessed firsthand all that has changed. They understand the benefits of increased wealth, and can also look back with a great deal of respect on the simpler lives of their very hardy parents’ generation and the ancestors before them.

When affluence arrives, obesity follows like a tidal wave, bringing misery, diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. There is a simple solution to this tidal wave and the answer is education. Obesity is the outward indication of future health problems. When patients lose weight, they will change their future. The job of modern parents is to motivate, educate and lead by example.

There are just two actions needed to turn back the tidal wave that is obesity.

The first is simple: It is to eat less. This means smaller portions, eating simple food that has not been processed in a factory, to regard takeaways and junk food as a very occasional treat, and to think of snacks as an opportunity to eat healthy, real food. Try looking upon food in a new light: If it does not look natural, don't eat it.

The second action needed is also simple: It is to exercise. In the modern world we must make room in our routine and our lives for exercise.

It is not an optional extra, it is as necessary as brushing your teeth or taking a shower: you need to make time for exercise. Exercise is not an option, it is a necessity. The body is made to move, and if you don't move it, then like an unused car – it will seize up and rust. Daily exercise is a must for all no matter what your age or physical condition.

There is no real quick solution to this. You need to start by making changes, but you need to be patient and make those changes gradually. I have always believed that mothers are the great educators; if you educate the mother then she would educate the whole family.

Eating plan for safe weight control:

1. Regular eating – 3 meals and 2 snacks;

2. Balanced eating;

3. Reduce portion size;

4. Reduce salty snacks;

5. Eat low fat;

6. Make water your main drink of the day;

7. Allow sweets or fast food as a once-a-week treat;

8. Talk to your child about healthy eating;

9. Eat meals together as a family;

If you are interested in healthy living, sign up to receive my free healthy living e-newsletter by mailing to: [email protected]
 

My gums keep getting infected. My dentist gives me antibiotics. Is there a natural alternative? Michael

Get your diet sorted out as soon as possible. Sugar has got to go, as well as refined carbohydrates such as cakes, which encourage the built up of plaque. Have your doctor check you out, as there might be an underlying cause such as diabetes or blood disorders. You should also speak to your dentist about taking Co-Enzyme Q-10 supplements, as low Co-Enzyme Q-10 in your blood can be a precursor to gum problems. Deficiencies of vitamin A, C, and E, calcium, folic acid, zinc, or niacin may be implicated. To increase mineral levels, eat a diet of whole foods and take a daily multivitamin such as Permea Plus. I have written about Co-Enzyme Q-10 previously, and you can obtain a copy by emailing me at [email protected].

—Alva