A NEGLECTED ASPECT OF HEALTH PART 2

The last time I talked about two aspects of human health that is not taken seriously: I mentioned MENTAL HEALTH and DIET. I treated Mental Health already. IT IS TIME TO TALK ABOUT DIET. And I am so excited. 

Several times, when I get the opportunity to discuss health as a nutritionist, I tell people; 

"WHAT MOST PEOPLE NEED FOR THEIR HEALTH TO IMPROVE AND FOR THEM TO FEEL BETTER IS NOT A DOCTOR, THEY NEED A DIETICIAN OR A NUTRITIONIST". 

It is painful that many people are not concerned whether what they put into their mouth is supposed to be used as food or not, as long as they eat and they are full. What kills most people is what they eat and how they eat what they eat. That may sound a little harsh but that is the truth and THE TRUTH MUST BE TOLD. 

So, what is diet? 

In nutrition, diet is the sum of food consumed by a person or other organism. 

The word diet is also often used to imply the use of specific intake of nutrition for health or weight-management reasons. 

But for the purpose of this article, the context in which diet will be used is 'the sum of food consumed, how it is prepared (if it contains the necessary classes of food or properly prepared) and how it is consumed'.

Let's proceed. 

We need to focus on eating a healthy diet daily if we want to enjoy good health and long life. 

Yes, God may have promised you long life, but you have your own part to play to enjoy that long life. 

My next question now is, how healthy is your diet? 

 A healthy diet is a diet that maintains or improves overall health. 

A healthy diet provides the body with essential nutrition: fluid, macronutrients such as protein, micronutrients such as vitamins, and adequate fibre and food energy.

A healthy eating plan: Emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products. Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. Limits saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars (for glucose and in turn energy needed for daily activity).

 I can assure you that, It is lack of knowledge that causes setback in health MOST of the time, so ACQUIRE KNOWLEDGE! 

If you love yourself, you will live on a good and healthy diet. If you are finding it difficult, employ the services of a dietician or a nutritionist like me. 

Before you put any food into your mouth, ask yourself: Is this food beneficial to my body (to answer this question correctly, YOU HAVE TO KNOW THE KIND OF FOODS THAT ARE BENEFICIAL TO YOUR BODY)? If the answer is yes, go ahead and eat but if no, please don't. 

It is better not to give your digestive system unnecessary work to do (breaking down food that is all going to be excreted or cause harm to your body system). 

Few Tips You Need to Know (How your food is prepared) 

* Be concerned about the source of your food (fertilized or naturally grown) 

* Don't over cook your food. 

* Don't under cook your food. 

* Beware of food or fruits that don't go well together etc

I pray this article helps at least one person out there. 

Stay Healthy! 

Elizabeth Oduwaiye 

Life Skills Counsellor/Nutritionist 

References:

https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health

Wikipedia 

https://www.lifeskillscounsel.blogspot.com

Image Credit: 

https://safarmedical.com