Food is a large part of every culture and serves to not only nourish but also bring people closer together. But have eating habits gone too far?
The world is seeing an ever-increasing obesity rate that could soon reach epidemic levels. While food is an essential aspect of life, society may have adopted an unhealthy attitude toward eating. Dr. Orien Tulp, founder and president of the University of Science, Arts and Technology, believes that overindulging in unhealthy food is leading to a global obesity problem.
According to Dr. Tulp, many people may have gone overboard when it comes to the role that food plays in their lives. Dr. Orien Tulp, an esteemed professor and author who has published extensive research on nutrition and obesity, explains why views on food may need to change:
“It seems indisputable that food warms the soul, and our forefathers were likely not incorrect in fostering such a welcoming statement. However, considering the state of global nutrition, we must now ask ourselves, ‘How much is too much? And how can we modify that welcoming tidbit to better suit our metabolism?’”
It’s no secret that food is a way to celebrate life as a whole. You might serve snacks and an array of dishes to usher in new life at baby showers and to say goodbye to loved ones at funeral receptions. When you get a big promotion at work, you might treat your family to a special dinner that night. If you have a tough day, you might treat yourself to something special, like an ice cream sundae. Food is right there for all of life’s big and little moments — and there is nothing wrong with that.
While it’s okay to use food as a medium for celebration, socialization, and communication, Dr. Tulp believes we may need to shift the way we look at food on a day-to-day basis. At its most basic level, food has a very clear purpose. The primary role of food is to provide nourishment and energy to the body. When looked at through that lens, there is no need to overindulge in unhealthy, low-nutrient foods.
With knowledge gleaned from his extensive background in nutritional sciences and obesity research, Dr. Tulp encourages people to eat in a way that suits their body’s needs and personal metabolic rates. Metabolism fluctuates throughout life, which means that dietary habits should be fluid to meet that rate. For example, almost everyone experiences a slowing in metabolism in midlife. This is a time to decrease the quantity of unhealthy foods and stick to a diet high in vegetables, fruits, and lean meats.
Dr. Tulp explains, “It has often been said by many generations that ‘Food warms the soul.’ However, with the alarming increase in the global prevalence of obesity now approaching epidemic proportions, perhaps we have inadvertently gone a bit overboard on the philosophy.” By examining global attitudes toward food and nutrition, Dr. Tulp hopes to help combat this epidemic and create a healthier society overall.
About Dr. Orien Tulp of the University of Science, Arts and Technology
Dr. Orien Tulp, founder and president of the University of Science, Arts and Technology, is a distinguished professor, author, and researcher in the field of medicine. He is also a military veteran and recipient of the Legion of Merit. Dr. Tulp has conducted extensive research on obesity and is a contributor to many academic journals. A dedicated volunteer, he has participated in hundreds of humanitarian medical missions.