Just like many other young folk, the thought of a good meal on a scorching day is the perfect idea – especially on a rough working day. I have been branded by many as a ‘foodie’, and yes – I really do like that and wish there was an association to vie for a presidential position, but I guess we can only be ‘food bosses’ in our own little corner.
Over the past few weeks, I have been cogitating on the importance of eating – particularly for our health benefit.
In Ghana, it is surprising to see a lot of people queuing up for hot waakye at 7am or hot banku at 7am; and some go as far as eating their favorite fufu as early as 7am in the morning.
The protruding stomach competition seems to be getting tighter each day, although all cannot be attributed to food as most are the result of a good bond with ‘1931’.
In Explore with JB, we will be talking about the importance of eating well and staying healthy.
My Question is, how do you eat? Do you eat in between meals? Do you eat because you are hungry, or do you eat because you think you need to?
Eating not only fills your stomach but also keeps you healthy and strong. Many individuals feel they are healthy because they are principled in their exercise and/or their lifestyle; but being principled in a lifestyle does not guarantee a healthy mind and body without a balanced diet.
Foods like kontomire, ab3du are known to help with your blood levels; kenkey is believed to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. It is also believed to protect the body from cancer, diabetes and heart disease as it contains phytochemicals and antioxidants which protect the body from ravages of free radicals and oxidative stress.
Waakye on the other hand protects one against diseases such as obesity, hypertension, cancer, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes among others. Banku and tilapia on the other hand provide the body with the necessary protein and nutrients it needs. Tuo zaafi, a delicacy from the good people of the North, provides the body with vitamins, potassium, calcium and phosphorus.
A lot of Ghanaian food enjoyed by our ancestors kept them strong and ageless.
The question is, are you eating the right food at the right time?
It is important to note that as much as these foods provide the body with essential nutrients, they also contribute hugely to weight gain – hence it is advisable to eat lighter foods in the morning and in the evening before bed.
Tom Brown, oats, Hausa koko, wheat, ekegbeemi, rice-water should be eaten in the morning alongside some fruit and vegetables to keep the body in shape.
Salads and light foods such as rice, kelewele, ampesi should be adopted for an evening meal.
Key Importance of Eating Healthy
- Improves heart health
- Helps with weight loss, and weight gain as well
- Gives strong bones and teeth
- Improves your immune system
- Provides you with adequate energy and vitality
- Helps with strong hair, clear skin and keeps your ageless
Good food, they say, gives you a good mind and body; so whenever you are thinking of eating, think about a well-balanced diet for your body.
Credit: JS locals and Pub located at Tantra Hills close to Champion Divine Clinic. Contact them on 0506699559
