Mirjan S.

Hipolito
GCAS
2019-30037
The Big Culprit

A couple of days ago, I was cramming for a procrastinated school work. When my body gets exposed to a great amount of stress, its normal
response is to ‘eat the feelings out’, just like how most people do when undergoing a heartbreak or any of that sort. I decided to visit a nearby family-
owned mini grocery; they have all assortments of food. Chips—check, in all sizes, flavors, cool. Sweets—check, all variety. Carbonated drinks— of all
colors, check. Fifteen minutes in, I still haven’t seen a sight of foods that are actually more than junk. Finally, a pack of whole wheat pan de sal. This is
the closest I could get into getting something healthy. Few months ago, I have sworn to my good health after being diagnosed with a minor heart
irregularity. I have tried every type of healthy diet from high protein to pescatarian until my very last attempt of becoming vegan. All to no avail.
Maintaining a healthy diet is hard to do especially if you are living in a country like the Philippines where choices are limited and whole foods are not
easily available in the market, let alone costly.
Food consumption is directly affected by 1) Food Availability which means having available sufficient quantities of food on a consistent
basis (World Health Organization) and 2) Food Accessibility which means having sufficient economic and physical resources to obtain appropriate
food. (FAO, 2006) This includes incomes, prices, market, among others. With the continuous shift in people’s lifestyles, everyone wants their food to be
available in shortest possible time with the lowest possible price without bothering to check the nutritional content. Fast food chains and multinational
food manufacturing companies such as Cola Cola, Nestle, Kelloggs, etc., capitalized on this preference shift and tailored their marketing ads just as
how regular consumers want their food to be: easily available, affordable, satisfyingly delicious. Good for business, bad for health. It’s all about profit.
Government intervention is of utmost importance. Adding a certain amount of tax for every excess sugar, sodium, and saturated fat from the
recommended serving should be implemented. Countries must release comprehensive food guides entailing proper food choices, good eating habits,
healthy recipes, and recommended portion sizes such as the Government of Canada’s annually released ‘Canada’s Food Plate.’ It is about long-term
commitment, not just short-term projects like Sunday Zumbas on covered courts participated by overweight aunties or uncles who end up eating at
nearby carinderias or fastfoods right after exercise sessions.
References:
Canada’s Food Guide by the Government of Canada
Accessed from: https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/
Globesity—Fat’s New Frontier Documentary Film
Accessed from https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x64zeay
FAO (2006) “Policy Brief: Food Security” Issue 2
Accessed from http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/faoitaly/documents/pdf/pdf_Food_Security_Cocept_Note.pdf