One of the problems I had living on the economy in the Middle East was repetitive parasitic infestations from eating vegetables which were fertilized with human waste. Root vegetables, like onions, potatoes and carrots were verboten as were leafy greens (no lettuce). You were comparatively safe with tomatoes and zucchini and fruits were OK. I used to rinse everything in a Milton (mild bleach) solution, but still got sick. I think most of my troubles came from eating in restaurants where you couldn't verify either the food or the sanitary practice of the food handlers.
The bad food problem was everywhere, even in top line hotels like the Meridien and Sheraton. Weight control was not a problem and happiness was a dry fart.
