Munch away to happiness
Young concern
By Jasleen Kaur

EAT and stay slim is the slogan of the 21st century and to do this exercise is the key word. The strong and muscular are in, the weak and skinny are out. Thin people start losing their mental and physical capabilities much before they reach middle age.Around the world, the buxom and muscular are being viewed as more desirable than the skinny and emaciated.

Weak persons are more vulnerable to fatigue, infection, arthritis, spondylitis, blood pressure and other diseases as they lack resistance, stamina and endurance. They tend to suffer from cramps and constant headaches. Besides, their immune system is also weak. Owing to their morbid obsession with slimming and dieting, they start suffering from psychosomatic and psychological illnesses.

On the contrary, those who eat well and exercise regularly have a glowing complexion. Their skin remains taut. They do not develop bags and dark circles around their eyes.Sufficient food and work-outs strengthen their muscles and line them with fat and fibre which act as shock absorbers against fractures and usual wear and tear.

Strong tissue fibres strengthen their knees, ankles, elbows, shoulders and hip joints. Heavy dieters cannot do strenuous exercises like running, swimming and work-out in a gym. They cannot play games like tennis, football, basketball and badminton.

On the contrary, those who eat well tend to be strong and happy.

They display better postures whereas dieters have sloppy and awkward postures. They also remain in constant physical pain.Weakness makes them sullen and withdrawn.

In case of a disease or infection the recovery rate of dieters is much slower than of those who eat well. One should always consume food items which contain lots of roughage and fibre. Fruits and vegetables are rich in roughage while juices are quite easy to digest. Such foods also protect one from diseases like cancer, constipation, diabetes and blood pressure. If one is able to eat 24 to 25 grams of roughage a day, one can lower the chances of a heart attack by 25 to 30 per cent.