Are we eating right ?

In the midst of daily activities and the stress that comes with work, let us take a moment to acknowledge what we take into our body, water and food. Water is life but today let’s focus more on food. What comes to mind at the mention of food? I believe countless images of what, how, where and who we eat with comes to mind.
Food is something most of us can’t do without if not all of us.

Food is very essential in our lives But ARE WE EATING RIGHT ? Most people today especially the youth of our time are well aware of the implications of unhealthy diet. Yet they have the notion that when they get a bit older, they will make changes in what they consume and this never happen until they are diagnosed with diseases related with unhealthy diet such as diabetes, atherosclerosis or some heart condition.

Unfortunately for us, most young people are now being diagnosed with the ‘so called’ diseases associated with middle age and old age. What is nutrition one may ask. Nutrition is the in take of food considered in relation to the body’s dietary needs. Good nutrition is adequate well balanced diet combined with regular physical activity is the hallmark of good health. Poor nutrition can lead to decreased immunity, increased susceptibility to diseases, impaired physical and mental development and reduced productivity. Which leads us to the bigger picture, Malnutrition.

Malnutrition is the inadequate, excesses or imbalances in intake of energy and/or nutrients we get from food. There are 2 broad groups; under nutrition( insufficiencies)and over nutrition(over weight, obesity and diet related non communicable diseases such as heart diseases, diabetes and cancer).

Regulation and balance of what we eat, when we eat and how we get what we eat be it boiling, frying, grilling, smoking or drying is closely related to our very existence.
Opt for plant-based foods: vegetables, beans, whole grains(wheat, oats, brown rice..), and fruits.
Reduce the intake of refined grains(white rice, flour..), added salt, and sweeteners.
Include some nuts and seeds; avoid oils.
Avoid foods containing saturated and trans fats(margarine, pastries, crackers, chicken wings…)
Recent studies has shown the relation of High Consumption of Red Meat (beef, lamb, mutton, goat…) to Hypertension, Insulin Resistance and Cancer. As a matter of fact, stomach cancer has been linked to intake of smoked meat/fish.
Take a moment, plan what you eat.

Avoid a Sedentary Lifestyle, take a walk, Stay Healthy and Live Long.