English Debate (Alvira)

‘Old habits die hard’. Once ppl get connected to good food they never
change back.
Good morning esteemed judges, respected teachers and my dear friends I,
Alvira Imtiyaz Reshi, strongly oppose the motion that there is an
increasing trend of junk food use among students and that it has
adverse implications.

I will not beat around the bush and simply state that junk food has always
been prevalent in Indian cuisine.
Confused?
Let's take an example of some of our favourite dishes like samosa,
chatpapdi or Aloo Puri -are these not unhealthier than a Pizza which has
now become an all-time favourite of all youngsters?

The current generation’s food habits have changed no doubt but we

cannot say that the consumption of junk food has increased. In fact
according to news-medical.net.com, in USA, consumption of processed
foods amongst students have reduced significantly.

The pandemic was a blessing in disguise. Locked at home, with the food
delivery platforms closed, there was a major shift towards healthy home
cooked food.
Even the so called ‘junk food’ was cooked at home and a healthier and
more sumptuous version of it was served in almost every other house to
satiate the taste buds of the young generation.
And why not?
At times contentment has a more positive impact on the body and the mind
than a healthy dish.

The social media platforms need to be thanked as well. Facebook, Twitter

and Instagram are full of videos, posts, blogs, encouraging healthy diet.
Social media influencers, who highlight the ill effects of junk food, have a
major impact on what the young kids are consuming.
Most of my opponents have gone on and on about the unhealthy aspect of
junk food and the various diseases related to it.

But what about our Indian cuisine -most of our meals are fried or are sugar
coated hence full of saturated fat, starch and poor carbs which never go
well with our health.

Isn't a Subway foot long, which is filled with veggies, any day better than
our typical "aloo ka paratha" breakfast?

Moderate consumption of junk food packed with veggies n fruits not only
pacifies the taste buds of the students but also provide some of the
necessary nutrients like vitamins A, B2, B6, C, folate, calcium, protein, and
iron

I would like to ask my friends how many of you consume junk food every
day?
Is there any household where the focus is not on healthy food?
If from our very childhood we are treated with home made nutritious
delicacies then how can we say that there is an increasing trend of junk
food use?

At last, I would conclude my stand with the opinion that yes students are
fond of variety but this new generation is far more health conscious and is
contributing enthusiastically towards the new face of the world progressing
towards a healthy future.

-Alvira Imtiyaz Reshi 8B.