Monday, August 20, 2012

EAT SENSIBLY AND WATCH THAT WAISTLINE

It's FOOD, FOOD and GLORIOUS FOOD for the next few days as Malaysians celebrate Hari Raya. Non-Muslims visiting their Malay friends will be treated to a sumptuous feast of home-cooked delights. Those opting to dine out will be pampered to a majestic buffet of traditional and festive Raya cuisine.

While the temptation is there to indulge, do watch what you put on your plate, especially if you already have some medical issues to deal with, like diabetes or hypertension.

Remember the food pyramid that used to guide us in what we should eat and how much to eat? Well, you can toss that guide out of the window. Last year, the US Department of Agriculture came up with a new food guide - Choose My plate. It is a much more comprehensive guide and gives a clearer picture of what to eat and how much to eat.

A good guide to follow based on My Plate. Do visit the Harvard University's Nutrition Source website for more information on healthy eating.
It takes will power to resist the temptation to pile up on our plate. Malaysians live to eat!
(Photo: NST)
Chinese economy rice - everything looks good, but best to stick to just three selections.

I am more of a pescetarian than a vegetarian, that is, I avoid meat but will take fish and other seafood. I see this as a transitional period towards full vegetarianism.

One thing I have noticed from my research on healthy ageing and longevity. None of the elderly who live to 90 and beyond are obese. They still lead an active, healthy lifestyle, and are physically independent. Click on the link to view these age-defying role models.

That's reason enough to watch what we eat. We shouldn't starve ourselves, but neither should we stuff ourselves. If you are looking after your elderly parents, click on the link below for more information on what is best for their dietary needs. Malnutrition is more of an issue with the elderly than over-eating.

Nutrition and Diet for the Elderly




No comments: