EDITORIAL: Healthy eating key, even at Christmas
Given the announcements in the past indicating that an overwhelming number of individuals are coming down with chronic non-communicable diseases such as strokes and heart attacks, and given the fact that a number of Barbadians have gained weight during the lockdown period of the present COVID-19 pandemic, great focus should be paid to the portion sizes of plates this Christmas.
Indeed, this is the time of year when persons often tend to throw caution to the wind, as they hone in on their various festive dishes and delicacies, but moderation should be key, given that healthy eating is still a must. Certainly, individuals have to be responsible for their own health, since an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure. As such, we must all seek to cut down on salt and sugar, eat more fruits and vegetables and exercise frequently, even if we have to schedule it.
Now eating healthy, even at Christmas time, is not impossible, though it may be challenging. To be successful, Barbadians should think about planning a healthy diet as a number of small, manageable steps, rather than one big drastic change. This way it should be easier to make healthy choices. We do acknowledge that Barbadians may find it hard at this time of year to make changes to their eating habit all of a sudden. Trying to make your diet healthy overnight isn’t realistic or smart. Changing everything at once usually leads to cheating or giving up on your new eating plan. However, they can take small steps. As these small changes become more of a habit, this can contribute to Barbadians adding more healthy choices to their diet.
Barbadians should also consider that every change they make to improve their diet matters. They don’t have to be perfect and they don’t have to completely eliminate foods they enjoy, in order to have a healthy diet. The long-term goal is to feel good, have more energy, and reduce the risk of cancer and disease. Every healthy food choice made counts. For example, this festive season as they move around, Barbadians can determine to drink more water. Water helps flush our systems of waste products and toxins, yet many people go through life dehydrated, causing tiredness and low energy levels. It’s common to mistake thirst for hunger, so staying well hydrated will also help persons to make healthier food choices.
This Yuletide season, Barbadians should also try to get in some exercise. They should find something active that they like to do and add it to their day. The benefits of lifelong exercise are abundant and regular exercise may even motivate them to make healthy food choices a habit. It is also never too late to learn new ways to eat. Healthy eating starts with learning new ways to eat, such as adding more fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and cutting back on foods that have a lot of fat, salt, and sugar. A change to healthier eating also includes learning about balance, variety, and moderation. Having support for healthy eating from others can also be a huge help. The more support persons have, the easier it will be for them to make the necessary changes. Therefore, this season, ask family and friends to practise healthy eating with you. Have them help you make meals, and share healthy, delicious recipes and cooking tips.
As we move into the year 2021, we need to have a healthier population and this season can be the lead-up to that.