Challenging task ahead

Did you know the world's population is projected to be 9.6 billion by 2050? That means we need to increase food production by a whopping 60 per cent, that too with limited resources of land, water, and clean air.

And it is imperative that we do so by following sustainable and environmentally friendly methods, otherwise, we run the risk of more climate disasters and living in a world choked with polluted air, water, and soil. A challenging task indeed.

But there is hope. We can start at our table. We need to focus on buying local, so we minimize shipping, spoiling and cost of food travel.

Also, eating organic foods and supporting related businesses will keep pesticides out of our bodies and the environment. Wasting food is another no-no. Learn to share, not dump leftovers.

There is enough food in the world, it just doesn't get distributed properly!

And most of you who are reading this, already do have plenty of food on your table. But, do you know where it came from? Is it nourishing? Is the meal balanced? As a nutritionist, I cannot stress more about eating a healthy range of produce.

Balanced diets will ultimately lead to healthier selves and communities that contribute to longer and healthier lifetimes. By all means have that protein shake after your gym class!

But learn what went into it - many of the ingredients can cause stomach upsets and destabilize gut bacteria. Unless you are a professional bodybuilder, you may not even need a protein shake. Please, please pay great attention to what (all) you are eating!

Parents of small children should be even more cautious of what goes into the little bodies! Children get easily addicted and adversely affected by excessive sugar.

Watch out for that innocent 'soft drink' adding empty calories to a growing body and upping the chance of dental cavities. And I agree it is difficult to incorporate and teach healthy eating behaviour these days.

Many parents are resorting to easy packaged foods to save time and possibly tantrums! Other people who may be trying to eat better are faced with friends and family who are not as aware or who may not care.

As a community, we may lose this battle to junk food, if we all don't pitch in for healthy and mindful eating. The need of the hour is to grow into a conscious and conscientious consumer, so as to make food a nutritious, tasty and sustainable fuel for all of us.

So, please don't give up on nutrition. Your children will thank you later! They will become the strong adults to carry on the healthy traditions you have started now.