Earlier this year the Malta Independent reported alarming statistics released by the Department for Health Regulation stating a staggering 40% of all Maltese school-aged children are overweight or obese. While this may not be “news” for the majority of us, it is a startling fact in which the nation must react, Government initiatives have been launched but at a grassroots level who else is interested?
“Education and creating awareness is one part of the very multifaceted issue that is childhood obesity,” states Stefania Calleja. “The problem is real, and the statistics are not untrue, Malta has a very serious issue on its hands.”
Stefania Calleja is a Home Economics teacher, vegan chef, food entrepreneur and self-professed food lover who is facing Malta’s childhood obesity issue daily. Apart from her full-time role as a teacher, 2013 saw Stefania set up “Healthylicious” cooking classes as an educational enterprise. Now in its fifth year, Stefania is going from strength to strength with her cooking workshops with the pivotal aim of promoting healthy plant-based diet cooking and healthy eating awareness programmes for parents. As September is childhood obesity month, we joined Stefania at her Healthy Packed Lunches workshop to discuss further.
Stefania’s workshop in the Home Economics Lab of St. Elias College is a sell-out and is not hard to see why. The room is packed with people eager to learn more, listening wholeheartedly as she provides a snappy presentation full of tips to make healthy eating practical and possible.
During the workshop participants have the opportunity to ask questions and dispel many common myths such as “Aren’t healthy food products really expensive?” “It is all in the way in which we choose simple staple ingredients, plan home cooked meals efficiently as well and be careful to avoid food waste,” replies Stefania. Cleverly she has provided attractive meal plans, shopping lists and copious recipe ideas to her attendees. After the presentation, the participants are split into teams to participate in a hands-on cooking session whereby they prepare various nutritious, tasty, quick and economical recipes suitable for packed lunches.
“Many people believe they have to stop eating certain favourite foods, but in fact, often the way in which we cook them is a huge part of the problem,” she adds. “Immense changes in Maltese society have resulted in both parents working extensive hours and feeling they don’t have time to cook, instead more and more of us are depending on the influx of processed convenience foods and takeaways.”
Stefania is also currently the Chairperson of the Home Economists in Action (HeIA), an NGO which works to promote healthy lifestyles and improve quality of life. In addition, Stefania forms part of the lecturing team working on the community based course Għaqal id-Dar, Ħajja Aħjar- the result of a Public Social partnership between the Ministry for Family, Children’s Rights and Social Solidarity, the Parliamentary Secretariat for Local Government and HEiA
“But from what I understand of traditional Maltese cooking and recipes, produce is fresh, local and meals are healthy?” I ask. Stefania is quick to reply: “Unfortunately, it is ironic our ancestors did consume a typical Mediterranean diet, which emphasizes plant-based foods and fish, but sadly this is becoming a dying art.”
The workshop is a resounding success. It goes without saying childhood obesity is a hugely complex issue yet there is no denying the country needs a few more people like Stefania, championing healthy educational awareness to help bring about change in people’s knowledge, attitudes and behaviours related to food.
Stefania can be followed on www.facebook.com/healthyliciousmalta