Break the cycle of unhealthy food.
An alarm clock in an envelope
The siren sounded – “ring ring”. Graciously, I got out of my class, my pleated skirt swinging in rhythm with my steps. It was good to be in high school.
After a long series of announcements on the ground of the assembly, all senior students were invited to stay for an investigation by external researchers.
“What’s your name?” Asked a lady.
I specified it carefully to avoid unnecessary letters.
“How old are you?”
“Fourteen,” I replied politely.
“Can I go there now?”
She informed us that we would need to come back during the break to respond to the investigation. They took my BMI details, and a few days later, I received an envelope addressed to my parents.
I traveled the content, but a line stood out:
“Your daughter is overweight.”
My name was not the fat – my name was overweight.
My BMI was 25 years, a difference of 5 before becoming obese at the age of fourteen.
However, I brushed it. I had always heard, “We are big in our family.” It didn’t bother me.
Until I go up to university.
It was then that I realized that I had to take control of my health. If I was born into a family where an unhealthy diet was the norm, then it had to end with me.
Today, on World Obesity DayThis memory is still fresh in my mind.
If the Nigerians were 100% honest, we would admit that our diets are overloaded with carbohydrates, beans, pasta, semoline, the cycle is repeated.
These basic foods, once decomposed, turn into sugars. If they are not managed properly, they can contribute to obesity and related health problems.
But what happens if I told you that you can always enjoy your favorite meals without compromising your health?
I understand, who doesn’t like rice? I do. But over time, I discovered hacks to make our foods in better health.
Healthy staples to consider
Rice alternatives: OFADA Rice, Basmati rice
Choice of pasta (facts with dum or whole wheat) – Spaghetti, macaroni, penne pasta, spaghettini, couscous
Healthier tubers- Yam, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes.
Legumes for balanced nutrition
Honey beans, drum beans, soy beans, millet.
Using the Healthy plate Concept, always aim to infuse vegetables and proteins in your meals.
An example of a weekly meal plan for a healthier lifestyle
Monday: rice and stew with sautéed vegetables and proteins.
Tuesday: fried and chicken rice with salad.
Wednesday: OFADA Rice with matching lean beef and moist.
Thursday: rice of native Jollof with fish and plantain.
Friday: vegetable soup with white rice.
Saturday: Jollof Rice mixed with peppers, carrots and other vegetables.
Sunday: rice and beans with fish sauce.
We eat first with our eyes, so your food must be visually attractive and nutritious. Instead of frying, consider healthier cooking methods such as grills and cooking.
Also pay attention to the products you use, are they really healthy, or do you choose them simply because they are inexpensive or easily accessible?
Think about it this way:
No matter how bad the fuel shortage is, you will not put water in the fuel tank of your car. So why compromise us what feeds our body?
This year World Obesity Day focuses on the systems that have failed us; The health system, government policies, food industries, media and our environments. Many unhealthy products are disguised as healthy just to stimulate sales.
Obesity is not a question of appearance – it is a chronic disease that increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Acting against obesity is a crucial step to reduce these global health expenses.
It’s time to take care of our health.
More unhealthy lifestyles in the name of bodily positivity. Let’s kiss a healthy journey, where we prospered, not only survive.
If we were raised in an unhealthy food lifestyle, we must consciously break the cycle by making better choices.
