Healthy Living Tips from Nigeria Food Industry Awards

Over the past 30 years, the number of overweight children has doubled and the number of overweight teenagers has tripled.

Studies show that individuals who are 20% or more overweight run a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, and some forms of cancer.
The prevalence of diabetes increased by 33% in the past 20 years, due primarily to the increased number of overweight people.

It takes approximately 20 minutes for your brain to know that your stomach is full.

The majority of items in existing vending machines contribute to a variety of health issues including obesity, diabetes and heart disease, as well as behavioral issues such as hyperactivity, fatigue and aggression.


Over 300,000 deaths per year are caused by poor nutrition and a lack of physical activity.
One out of every three children born today will develop diabetes at some point in their lifetime if dietary trends continue as they are today. A can of soda contains 10 teaspoons of sugar.


Eating (diet)

All humans have to eat food for growth and maintenance of a healthy body, but we humans have different requirements as infants, children (kids), teenagers, young adults, adults, and seniors.

For example, infants may require feeding every four hours until they gradually age and begin to take in more solid foods. Eventually they develop into the more normal pattern of eating three times per day as young kids. However, as most parents know, kids, teenagers, and young adults often snack between meals. Snacking is often not limited to these age groups because adults and seniors often do the same.


Tips:
•       Eat three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner); it is important to remember that dinner does not have to be the largest meal.
•       The bulk of food consumption should consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk products.
•       Choose lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts (with emphasis on beans and nuts).
•       Choose foods that are low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars; look at the labels because the first listed items on the labels comprise the highest concentrations of ingredients.
•       Control portion sizes; eat the smallest portion that can satisfy hunger and then stop eating.
•       Snacks are OK in moderation and should consist of items like fruit, whole grains, or nuts to satisfy hunger and not cause excessive weight gain.
•       Avoid sodas and sugar-enhanced drinks because of the excessive calories in the sodas and sugar drinks; diet drinks may not be a good choice as they make some people hungrier and increase food consumption.
•       Avoid eating a large meal before sleeping to decrease gastroesophageal reflux and weight gain.
•       If a person is angry or depressed, eating will not solve these situations and may make the underlying problems worse.
•       Avoid rewarding children with sugary snacks; such a pattern may become a lifelong habit for people.
•       Avoid heavy meals in the summer months, especially during hot days.
•       A vegetarian lifestyle has been promoted for a healthy lifestyle and weight loss; vegetarians should check with their physicians to be sure they are getting enough vitamins, minerals, and iron in their food.
•       Cooking foods (above 165 F) destroys most harmful bacteria and other pathogens; if you choose to eat uncooked foods like fruits or vegetables, they should be thoroughly washed with running treated (safe to drink) tap water right before eating.
•       Avoid eating raw or undercooked meats of any type.
Tips for special situations:
•       People with diabetes should use the above tips and monitor their glucose levels as directed; try to keep the daily blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible.
•       People with unusual work schedules (night shifts, college students, military) should try to adhere to a breakfast, lunch, and dinner routine with minimal snacking.
•       People who prepare food should avoid using grease or frying foods in grease.
•       People trying to lose weight (body fat) should avoid all fatty and sugary foods and eat mainly vegetables, fruits, and nuts and markedly reduce his/her intake of meat and dairy products.
•       Seek medical advice early if you cannot control your weight, food intake, or if you have diabetes and cannot control your blood glucose levels.