It is time to alter our dietary practices.

 By Chico Mies.

 We are currently experiencing a period of significant economic hardship, marked by soaring food inflation and rapidly increasing prices of various goods and services, largely due to ineffective governance. 

This situation is further exacerbated by the emergence of unusual diseases, such as the recent Mpox outbreak, alongside erratic weather patterns attributed to climate change. Despite these challenges, individuals responsible for family sustenance must find ways to provide for their households. As the saying goes, "The boys are not smiling." The pressing question remains: what strategies should we adopt to navigate these difficulties? Fortunately, viable solutions are within reach.

In light of the prevailing economic challenges, it is essential to prioritize food items that are both filling and nutritious. The selection of fruits, nuts, and vegetables that enhance immunity, possess healing properties, and promote longevity must be emphasized now more than ever. Thoughtfully chosen, these food items can significantly reduce the time, money, and resources spent on medical treatments for preventable illnesses.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge that many individuals lack knowledge about proper eating habits. This may come as a surprise, but it is a reality. Furthermore, there is a general disregard for understanding the nutritional impact of our dietary choices on our health. Many of us mistakenly overlook the wealth of nutritious, locally sourced food options available to us. As strange as it may seem, this is an unfortunate truth.

To maintain a healthy diet, treat each meal as a special occasion. It is advisable to set your phone aside during meals to fully engage your senses of sight, smell, touch, and taste with the food you are consuming. Avoid eating in haste to prevent issues such as constipation. Take time to relax after each meal. It is essential not to overlook any meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I have cautioned some friends against skipping breakfast due to their busy schedules, and they have faced negative consequences as a result. Missing a meal can lead to intense hunger and a tendency to overindulge later. It is important to recognize that during the night, your body expends essential calories, which should be replenished in the morning.

It is advisable to consume larger portions for breakfast and lunch while keeping dinner smaller, as a heavy dinner can disrupt sleep due to digestive activity. It is important to avoid overeating at any meal. In today's economic climate, the question arises: where is the funding to purchase excess food? A common error many individuals make is to undervalue the nutritional benefits of locally sourced foods.

Notably, esteemed nutritionists, including Professor Mark Wahlquist, President of the International Union of Nutritional Sciences, emphasized during a 2003 international conference organized by Nestle Foods, Nigeria Plc, the significance of evidence-based nutrition. This highlights that the fresh produce cultivated and consumed by our ancestors has a beneficial effect on our health and physical condition.

To optimize the limited resources available, individuals seeking to spend less while ensuring prolonged satiety should focus on foods high in both protein and fibre. Examples of such foods include boiled potatoes, eggs, fish, Greek yoghurt, and popcorn. Additionally, dark green vegetables like bitter leaf, efo riro, and ugu should be included, along with fruits and whole grains.

To enhance our immune system, it is recommended to consume one boiled egg daily, as suggested by researchers at Harvard University, due to its rich content of amino acids, zinc, and B vitamins, which aid in the production of white blood cells and antibodies. Yoghurt is also highly recommended for its probiotics that bolster the immune system. Furthermore, a daily glass of milk provides a rich source of protein, carbohydrates, fats, calcium, and vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, and phacian. Brightly coloured fruits such as tomatoes, watermelon, purple apples, and mangoes, along with the previously mentioned dark green vegetables, are also essential for a balanced diet.

Red bell pepper helps to grow and fortify bodily cells, while fresh ginger, like garlic, which is nature's antibiotic, combats diseases. Strong antibiotics can be found in both dark chocolate and raw cocoa. In addition to being high in potassium, folate, iron, and beta-carotene, which improves vision, sweet potatoes also include other nutrients that decrease blood cholesterol. Edible mushrooms are among the foods that strengthen the immune system because they include glutamic acid, which strengthens the body's defences against lupus, cancer, and arthritis. Our predecessors were aware of the potent secret that edible mushrooms are also consumed by ants, as I have disclosed in one of my earlier pieces in this column.

For optimal healing, consider incorporating a variety of fruits such as apples, bananas, oranges, pineapples, tomatoes, and lemons into your diet. Additionally, include other beneficial items like beans, cashew nuts, cocoa, olive oil, coconut oil, and cod liver oil. From animal sources, raw goat milk, turkey meat, and a daily egg are recommended.

Dr Axe Fans has proposed a diet centred around healing foods. He asserts that foods which combat inflammation, which can harm cells and arterial walls, are particularly effective against conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, autism, digestive issues, fatigue, depression, hormonal imbalances, and cancer. These foods help to alkalize the body, reduce glucose levels, and remove toxins.

Have you ever wondered why the people of Okinawa, Japan, are among the longest-living populations in the world? Their longevity is attributed to a diet rich in fish, and plant-based foods like periwinkles, fruits, nuts, and vegetables, while they largely avoid red meat.

It is advisable to consume 6 to 8 glasses of water daily, as it serves as a solvent for nutrients and is essential for most physiological processes.

A blend of carrot, apple, pear, and mango serves to detoxify the body, reduce heat, lower blood pressure, and combat oxidative stress. It is essential to pair proper nutrition with consistent physical activity. 

For further insights, particularly regarding food selection at any age and about various health conditions, consider obtaining the electronic version of my book, ‘Food for Health: Eat Right, Every Day.’ Now is the opportune moment to transform our dietary practices.

Read also: https://chicomies.blogspot.com/2024/08/eating-practices-that-increase-vitality.html