Your Health Isn’t a 10-Minute Delivery—So Stop Treating It Like One!

Why are we so eager to trade our health for convenience? Is saving 30 minutes really worth spending years fighting illness? In a world obsessed with instant gratification, why do we forget that health, once lost, cannot be delivered back to us—not in 10 minutes, not in 10 years? The truth is stark: when your body breaks down, all you’ll get are a few “get well soon” messages and a prescription for regret. Isn’t it time we asked ourselves—what’s the real cost of those quick fixes we’ve made a way of life?

Why are we so eager to trade our health for convenience? Is saving 30 minutes really worth spending years fighting illness? In a world obsessed with instant gratification, why do we forget that health, once lost, cannot be delivered back to us—not in 10 minutes, not in 10 years? The truth is stark: when your body breaks down, all you’ll get are a few “get well soon” messages and a prescription for regret. Isn’t it time we asked ourselves—what’s the real cost of those quick fixes we’ve made a way of life?

The numbers should shock you. India, with its growing young population, is also a hub for rising lifestyle diseases. Nearly 30% of India’s youth is overweight or obese. According to a 2023 study, increasing proportion of urban Indians under 35 suffer from some form of lifestyle disorder, be it diabetes, hypertension, or high cholesterol. And while we proudly call ourselves a nation of jugaad and resilience, there is no jugaad for health. When it’s gone, it’s gone. The “freedom” to order in every meal doesn’t feel so liberating when you’re paying the price with endless visits to doctors and rising medical bills.

The illusion of freedom provided by food delivery apps is just that—an illusion. For many young adults, cooking is dismissed as an outdated skill. “I don’t have time,” they say, but they somehow have the time to scroll for hours on social media or binge-watch yet another show. “I don’t know how,” they argue, but YouTube has more cooking tutorials than you could ever need. And so, they fall into a vicious cycle—order, consume, repeat—fuelled by clever marketing and convenience.

The contrast is glaring when we look back at the cultural richness of Indian cooking. Ghar ka khana is more than just food; in our exuberance of the youth, we brush it as boring. Our traditional diets are perfectly designed for our climate, seasons, and biology. Take the humble dal-chawal—rich in protein, easy to digest, and balanced. Compare that to the greasy, calorie-laden options delivered to your doorstep in plastic containers. The choice should be obvious, but we’ve let modernity cloud our judgment.

The environmental cost is equally staggering. India generates an estimated 22,000 metric tons of plastic waste since it processes roughly 40 million orders a month, from food delivery services. Single-use plastics, carbon emissions from delivery vehicles, and uneaten leftovers contribute to a cycle of environmental degradation. Contrast this with the sustainable practices of home kitchens—using reusable containers, cooking in just the right portions, and minimising waste. A home-cooked meal isn’t just better for your body; it’s better for the planet as well.

And let’s not forget the financial cost. A single meal ordered from a delivery app can cost three to five times what it would take to cook it at home. Over a month, that difference adds up to thousands, money that could have gone into savings, investments, or even a fitness membership. Health, as the old saying goes, is wealth. But it’s a wealth we squander, believing that supplements and fancy gym memberships can fix what poor nutrition breaks.

Here’s the harsh reality: they can’t. Real health isn’t about quick fixes or shortcuts. It’s built over time, with every wholesome meal, every mindful bite, and every ounce of effort you put into caring for your body. As the Bhagavad Gita teaches, “Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.” Replace “yoga” with “health,” and the wisdom is just as profound.

The rise of food delivery apps has transformed ordering in into a status symbol, particularly among younger generations. Social media platforms have amplified this trend, glorifying trendy foods and influencer culture as markers of success and modernity. The constant showcasing of takeout meals often overshadows the nutritional value of what’s being consumed, shifting focus to the social image it projects. The pursuit of social validation through food choices not only distorts our relationship with nutrition but also normalises practices that jeopardise long-term health.

Are we really so busy that we can’t spare half an hour a day to cook a healthy, balanced meal? No amount of marketing claims can change the truth: restaurant food is not healthy if consumed daily. No amount of gymming, detox diets, or fads can undo the damage caused by neglecting clean, home-cooked food. Start small. Learn to cook a single meal. Make Sundays about meal prepping with friends or family. Swap one takeout meal a day for something you’ve cooked yourself. The joy of cooking and eating your own food is unparalleled—it’s a form of self-care, a way to reclaim control over your life and health.

As we race through life, let us remember: “Those who have no time for health now, will have to find time for illness later.” The convenience of today is no substitute for the regrets of tomorrow. In the end, no app can deliver what truly matters—your health. So pause, reflect, and ask yourself: are you ready to trade your future for another 10-minute delivery?

Srinath Sridharan is a policy researcher and corporate advisor.