The narrator reflects on how their family’s diet changed after they moved to the city for work.
Initially, they lived a healthy life, growing their own food, but in the city, they began eating sugary foods, drinks, and fast food, which led to unhealthy weight gain. The father became proud of his big belly, but after seeing a diabetes testing notice, it was discovered that his blood sugar levels were high, indicating diabetes.
The family learned that eating too many sugary and starchy foods can lead to diabetes and other health issues. The narrator’s uncle had already lost his leg to diabetes, and the father’s health was also at risk. The family decided to adopt a healthier lifestyle by avoiding junk food, cooking traditional meals, eating balanced portions, and becoming more active.
Over the year, the father lost weight, his blood sugar improved, and the whole family became healthier. The narrator emphasizes the importance of eating real food, cooking it at home, and being active to stay healthy.
Vocabulary:
• Starchy: Containing a lot of starch, which is a carbohydrate found in foods like potatoes, rice, and bread.
• Diabetes: A condition where the body cannot properly process sugar, leading to high blood sugar levels.
• Amputation: The removal of a body part, often due to severe health issues like diabetes.
• Processed food: Food that has been altered from its original form by adding preservatives, sugar, or other ingredients to enhance flavor or shelf life.
• Dementia: A group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities, often due to brain damage or disease.
• Vessels: Blood vessels, which are tubes that carry blood throughout the body.
• Portions: The amount of food served or consumed at one time.
Source: Grand Life