The most important is the consumer education. It is the consumers who decide wat to buy and eat. If they are ignorant of food and nutrition issues, nothing will succeed. (1) Adult education and awareness creation on food choices and their impact on their heath is the first step to healthy eating habits. (2) It is equally important that kids in schools receive proper education on food, nutrition, exercise/physical activity, and health. We need a healthy body to house a healthy mind. They should learn about cooking and how to prepare healthy foods for themselves and for their families. (3) Food processing industries must be given all the incentives to produce healthy foods and consumers must be prepared to pay higher prices for healthy foods. With both spouses going to work to maintain the family, it is important to provide easy-to-prepare food choices that are nutritious and healthy to the entire family. With these three initiatives, we can improve our diets and popularize healthy eating habits among the population.
Dr. Vethaiya BALASUBRAMANIAN