PROPER NUTRITION AND HEALTH

Contributed by Maria May M. Garcia – Balanga City, Bataan

The growth of our body as well as our ability to think and work is determined by the food that we consume. The food pyramid is one of the pillars that could help us in selecting the food needed by our system. It gives us awareness/education on what to consume and what to avoid. For us to be healthy and fit, a balanced lifestyle is encouraged.

We should be conscious of what we eat, by checking the caloric content carefully. A maximum of 2,500 kcal is the daily caloric content recommended for a man and 2,000kcal for a woman to maintain an average weight but these depend on age and activities performed.

Follow the “3G”, the GO, GROW and GLOW food groups used in meal planning. “Eat Fruits, Feel Cool”. Green is cool and so fruits and vegetables have so much anti-oxidants, vitamins and fiber to offer.

“Go for Cycle” a dose of exercise is not bad and it improves our mental alertness. Twenty five to thirty minutes of mild walking is a good daily exercise. Consulting a physician before an active or extreme exercise is advised if there is underlying illness.

“Be clear with Water”. Consuming 8 to 10 glasses of water a day can rid out toxins, promotes rehydration, prevents constipation and promotes a healthy you.

“Enough sleep”. Getting 6 hours of sleep a day is good but 8 is still the best time for our brain cells to replenish its losses. Napping for 15 to 20 minutes a day is advised but beyond an hour of nap is not recommended for it can cause sleeping problems at night.

“Soil Utilization”. Cultivating a small piece of land at home to plant vegetables, is both economical and practical.

Healthy living starts with us, and all we need is discipline.

Reference: Philippine Healthcare II, 2006