While enjoying Mexican street food can be a delicious and culturally immersive experience, it’s important to consume it in moderation and make informed choices about what and where you eat
Unhealthy eating habits are a major concern when discussing both obesity and malnutrition in Mexico. The country faces a dual health burden of malnutrition, where obesity and undernutrition coexist. There are several factors which are responsible for this situation, they include the following:
High calorie consumption, high fat foods. Traditional Mexican cuisine is known to be put together with high calorie, high fat foods. Some examples of this would be fried tortillas, cheese, pork, and sugary drinks. The availability and cheap cost of these foods due to NAFTA have made them the core of many Mexican diets.
Low Intake of fruits and vegetables. According to a report by Revista Panamericana De Salud Publica, Mexicans consume less fruits and vegetables than the recommended daily intake. This comes as a result of the high cost of fresh produce, poor access to local markets, and the cultural preference for packaged and processed foods.
Dependence on fast food. The increase in fast food chains have impacted Mexicans by opening access to calorie dense foods at a low cost. This is particularly true amongst the urban population where busy lifestyles and long work hours leave no time for cooking meals at home.
Skipping Meals. Many Mexicans actually skip breakfast leading to a large meal consumption late in the day, and a disruption in their metabolism. As a result this causes overeating and weight gain.
These results of these unhealthy eating habits are to be taken seriously as they often lead to chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. To address the issue we first have to raise awareness on the problem Mexico faces when it comes to unhealthy eating habits. Only then will we be able to help Mexicans providing them the right food for the right life!