I was at one of the big shopping malls in Lagos the other day and was watching teenage Nigerians as they drifted in groups to the movie section and some to the fast food stands at the mall. What jumped at me was the number of young people that were already showing signs of obesity.
Today’s lifestyle has changed from about 20 years ago. Less physical activities, more technological gadgets to keep us glued to our seats, more energy dense foods , less nutrient dense foods, larger food portions, less drinking of water, more drinking of sugar dense drinks, the list is endless.
I was just wandering if physical education is still compulsory in Secondary schools and I was told that this subject is on the timetable but in a lot of cases the time is used for other activities.
The issue of obesity is that when energy consumption is not balanced with energy output, the fat starts to accumulate in the body and is stored up with the resultant, heart diseases, diabetes, hyper cholesterol and other health complication. Obesity can be avoided if only we make healthier lifestyle changes.
Choices we make today will affect us tomorrow and this includes food choices. It is not fun at all when diseases like diabetes, hypertension, hyper cholesterol, put you down and you spend a greater part of life, managing these disease conditions. Sometimes these conditions may come in early twenties! We need to take control of our health and food choices
french toast and baked beans – 1QFoodplatter
- Eat your breakfast everyday so that you are less likely to go for meat pies, doughnuts etc later in the day. This is one of the ways you can control your calorie intake and your weight.
- Learn to include more fruits and vegetables in your meals. They help the skin glow.
Peanut butter sandwich – 1QFoodplatter
- Cut back on soft drinks. Have them only very occasionally. Drink more water… Good for hydrating the body and the brain.
- Help with cooking at home. Experiment with different ingredients that you like.
Okro soup goatmeat – 1QFoodplatter
- Reduce consumption of fried foods particularly from fast food restaurants. To manage your fat intake, Pick healthier versions at restaurants when eating out; more grilled foods for example.
- Reduce your food portions gradually.
- Increase your physical activities. Exercise as much as you can. Time out with friends in a game of football, basketball or skipping is worthwhile. For example get off 2 bus stops to your house and walk the rest of the way.
- Learn to read food labels; this will help to control the amount of calories you consume. Make sure the bar of chocolate or the pack of chips is only a small contributor to your caloric need for the day. Most of your caloric need should come from natural foods. Moderately active teenage boys eyed 2,200-2800 calories per day whilst girls of same age about 2000calories.
Potato salad and kilishi – 1QFoodplatter
A healthy weight and shape will sure boosts your self esteem and confidence.
Eating well does not mean you are a health food freak; it’s just a smart way to live and enjoy life.
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