Can Bruneian's really live a healthier lifestyle?
I have been living in Brunei for over 1 year now, so I have now come to terms that Bruneian live a unhealthy lifestyle? There are so many factors that can lead someone to a unhealthy lifestyle. In the blog I cover the reasons why Brunei is one of the highest for obesity and can they truly change lifestyle habit for a healthier life.
1. No footpaths
You can not walk anywhere in Brunei. You need a car to get everywhere. How this impacts on lifestyle is the lack of activity levels throughout the day. For families there are no parks/leisure activities local which will create children also being inactive
2. Economy
As the unemployment level in Brunei is quite high it can place a burden on outgoing. Also the salary for most everyday person is not always enough to get by. So opting for simple cheap meals like nasi katok can ease the stress on the pockets
3. Hardcore bootcamps
Bootcamps are a great cheap affordable way to build a community of people. However because of the obesity levels it is not always the most injury preventing programme to follow. A lot of injuries can happen during bootcamps as most exercises are done by a generic template. Just by the intensity of the programme it can demotivate people to join.
4. Family meals
Most households have around 5+ people living inside. So trying to accommodate a healthy meal for everyone can be challenging. Often there is a set cook, so they will only know one way of cooking (lots of oil).
5. Culutre and religion
Islam is the leading religion in Brunei and 2 months of the year food plays a massive role in how people live. High sugar intake in foods with added extra sugar, not to mention the high sodium levels. Shops close at 10pm latest, while the streets are peaceful after 8/9pm. It can imply that most people are at home being sedentary/lazy while sleeping very late.
6. Vegetable expensive
Can you imagine vegetables being more pricy than noodles, chocolate, nasi katok. This will be more difficult for you to be more healthier. Stores like supa save often have the foods you can't get locally but at a cost.
7. Health not as important
The biggest reason why Bruneian's do not get healthier is because they do not priorities their health as number 1. If you do not see how important your health is for longevity in life you will find out the hard way when diabetes or heart diseases start creeping up on you.
It sounds pretty impossible to change right? I believe it can happen, but it will be one of the biggest challenges you will face in life., but if you are willing to do it you have my support to contact anytime. Below are the best steps you can take to achieve a healthier lifestyle in Brunei.
1. No extreme dieting
Taking smaller steps to achieve a healthier lifestyle is the best approach. Changing meals to half rice and replacing it with vegetables is an example. I always say to my clients, "The time it took to get to where you are, should be the time it takes to reverse it"
So if it took you many years to put on weight that is how long you should prepare to lose it!
2. Local food support
With great healthy restaurants like fuel'd, healthy habits and shabu to name a few. There are also small mini grocery markets that sell vegetables, tofu and fruits.
3. Access to more information
Bruneian's are becoming more independent and self aware thanks to social media. They can understand more about a healthier lifestyle. Useful app and content are easily available at a click of a button. With new information it is easier to learn about
4. Lifestyle choices
Brunei is taking health and fitness more seriously in recent years, so with more emphasis on this, people are encouraged to approach life differently. This will benefit the younger generation to have better lifestyle choices. Sign up to your local gyms, eat at healthier restaurants.
5. Be brave
When you begin your new journey friends & family are not going to understand or relate to what you will need to do to live a healthier lifestyle. So it is important you be aware of certain scenarios. Some people will be positive about your new approach, while other not so. My advice do not tell the people you think will be negative to it.
Summary
Brunei has the highest obesity and diabetes in South East Asia, so for you to make a little change it will contribute to a healthier lifestyle. Making new changes will be challenging so try not to rush into it. Learn from you mistakes and always seek help and advice.
Have a great day
Simeon
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