Food is often misused, like a drug.
In our African cities and villages, food and exercise have a big impact on our lives. But we often forget this. The truth is, we often misuse food. We use it for comfort, just like a drug.
We eat extra Ugali, or a sweet treat when we’re sad. Food is easy to get, everyone accepts it, and it makes us feel good right away. But if we misuse it, it can cause serious health problems like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
We are lucky that we don’t eat a lot of processed food. But are we eating a balanced diet?
We often forget about exercise, even though it’s good for our mood. We make excuses: we don’t have time, we’re too tired, or it’s too hot. But regular exercise has a lot of benefits. A quick walk can make us feel happy and relaxed.
Exercise makes our bodies stronger and our minds clearer.
As a middle-aged man in Africa, life is full of challenges. We have to balance work, family, and community responsibilities. We often feel stressed. But we can choose how to deal with stress. Will we eat more food, or will we go for a walk?
We need to change how we think. We should see food as something that keeps us healthy, not something that comforts us. We should see exercise as a way to celebrate our bodies, not as a task we have to do. Small changes can make a big difference. Replace that afternoon snack with a short walk. Choose water instead of soda.
Remember, being truly healthy means taking care of our bodies and our minds. By eating healthy food and exercising regularly, we can set a good example for our families and communities. Let’s restore Ubuntu, one step at a time.