The Advent of Television in Indian homes has drastically changed the eating profile in the society, more so among the younger generation causing anxiety to the older generation.

The Impact of T.V. on the food habits and the sedentary lifestyle of all family members sitting in front of the T.V. while taking snacks or even at launch and inner has made the life devoid of outdoor activities, which is leading to obesity and other nutritional disorders. Researchers have stated that obesity increases the risk of hypertension,cardio-vascular diseases, diabetes and the physiological problems.

The trend of the so called modern lifestyle generated by the food companies has caused temptation among childresn to yield to unrestricted consumption of high energy rich foods like fast foods, pizzas, potato chips, cakes, pastries known as junk foods.

Wherever a healthy diet was asked to be defined more often than not the nutritionist spoke of a diet comprising of rice-roti-dal-vegetables, greens, curd-sambar based preparation followed by liberal seving of seasonal fruits. It was though to be a complete food supplying most of the required nutrients. The whole food range of traditional food items like idli, dosa, pongal, dhokla and a few others with mouth watering range of some sweet could be found in 'home top shelves, but now ..

Surendra M. Mehta
Chairman - Karuna International
Past President - International Vegetrian Union