Expert Author Paul A Scicluna
On a trip to sun-drenched Hua Hin in Thailand, it really
opened my eyes to the lack of healthy people. For those of you not familiar
with Hua Hin, it is a relaxing beach side town 144km south west of Bangkok. On
average, it provides residents and visitors with a glorious 260 days of sun per
year. Plus, you can live like Kings and Queens because the food and
accommodation is relatively cheap.
However, what astounded me was that 90% of the people
(excluding the locals) were out of shape or overweight - a heart attack or Type
2 diabetes in the makings. Whether you're on a holiday or business trip you can
and should take care of your health. Especially if you have children as they
learn from the parents.
My trip was a mixture of business and leisure. Having turned
40 I allowed myself to indulge a little for this extra special occasion! As
long as most of the time your diet is great, your body will be able to cope
with a bit of indulgence. Yet, what I saw everyday were most people filling
their plates with fatty, processed and non-nutritious foods, washed down with
soft drinks or sodas.
My breakfast usually started with some fresh fruit and
salad. Sometimes I had a freshly made omelette, other times it was sauteed
vegetables. The rainbow of colours meant that there were plenty of nutrients.
I asked a tourist who was visiting from Europe if I could
take a photo of his meal. He looked at me strangely but obliged. The plate was
full of bread loaded with margarine and also a croissant with jam. It just
looked bland, boring, lifeless and not nutritious at all. It was just a plate
of processed carbs, fat and sugar, not to mention all the additives and
preservatives hidden within. This plate of food is devoid of quality nutrients.
He asked what the photo was for? I attempted to explain what
I do as well as the difference between our meals, and to eat more of the foods
I had on my plate. There were language barriers but I think I convinced him;
the thumbs up sign for positive affirmation seemed to work. And, especially
after someone had explained to him that I just turned 40 and it was translated
back to me that he thought I looked 28! Over the course of the trip I did see
him getting some fresh fruit which was a great. Bit by bit I say - gradually
bring change into your daily habits for a lifelong, healthy positive change.