In the busy world of hostel life, quick and easy snacks often win over healthy, wholesome meals. Whenever I felt hungry, I would grab a packet of Maggi or a bag of chips or cream biscuits accompanied by milk tea without thinking much about it. They tasted good and satisfied my hunger, so why not, correct? But soon enough, reality hit me hard. After a few months, my stomach started hurting, and pain became a constant companion, messing with my daily routine and even my studies. It did not strike me initially, but it turns out those convenient snacks weren't as harmless as I thought. Doctors said I have stomach ulcers. Although not life-threatening, trust me, ulcers can turn even the simplest act of existing into an epic battle.
I am doing okay now, but reflecting on my experience, I realised that many of us don't think about how our eating habits affect our health and happiness, especially when we're young.Â
That's why I knew I had to take action, especially for teens aged 11 to 17 who often rely on fast food. But where do I start? How can I make a real difference?
After completing my studies, an opportunity presented itself to address this issue directly.Â
Working with ZealGrit, an organisation committed to tackling pressing issues, I found a platform to share my experience and advocate for healthier habits. It was a moment I had been eagerly awaiting—a chance to make a meaningful impact and empower young individuals, particularly girls, with knowledge about age-appropriate health and nutrition.
Last Monday was my first step in this journey. I visited a high school in Supaul, and I was eager to meet the students and start our discussions. As I entered the school premises, the lunch break was already in full swing. I observed students flocking to nearby vendors, purchasing biscuits, some labelled and unlabeled locally-made chips, and chocolates. Initially, I assumed it was a one-time occurrence, perhaps for novelty or a change of pace. The scene of students enjoying their lunch break together brought back memories of my school days. Amidst laughter and chatter, some were engrossed in their meals while others engaged in playful activities. Suddenly, the weather took a turn, and rain began to pour down. In response, students hurriedly made their way back to their classrooms, seeking shelter from the downpour.
Seeing all this activity made me curious. Do these students always buy snacks? Do they ever bring lunch from home? With my talk on 'Balanced Diet', which includes information about the five food groups, portion sizes, the importance of regular meals, and practical tips to introduce a balanced diet in our lives through interactive games, I also wanted to learn more about their eating habits. With these thoughts, I entered the 9th standard classroom with excitement to learn about their eating habits. But what I heard was disheartening. Girls mentioned they usually do not bring lunch, ready-to-eat packet food is their go-to option, or they skip meals, just like I used to. Wanting to understand their habits better, I asked if they had breakfast. Their answer painted a picture of hectic mornings – tuition classes ate up their time, leaving no room for a morning meal.
As students shared their timetables, a common pattern emerged. Many had to wake up early, around 4 to 5 am, to assist their mothers with household chores before rushing off to morning coaching/tuition classes and then school. With breakfast often not prepared in the morning, they arrived at school on empty stomachs, perpetuating the cycle of skipping meals. After school hours, around noon, they returned home, only to attend coaching/tuition classes again at 2 pm. This demanding routine left little time for proper meals. School teachers also mentioned that girls do not have enough time to eat properly due to their busy schedules with tuition, school, and household chores. They seemed helpless but somehow resigned to the situation.
The challenges faced by these students underscored a larger problem with adolescent nutrition, highlighting the importance of addressing the root causes of unhealthy eating habits. Simply talking about eating well wasn't enough; we needed contextualised solutions to help these students lead healthier lives. Recognising that tackling this issue requires more than just advice, ZealGrit's initiatives focus on educating teenage girls about staying healthy and eating right. We go beyond information. We equip these girls with practical tools and strategies to build healthy eating habits that last. It's a journey, not a destination, and we're here to support them every step of the way.
Have a story to tell? We're all ears! Don't hesitate to share it with us via info@zealgrit.org.