For most, January acts as a starting point for improvement, no wonder it's no surprise that "lose weight" and "eat better" remains at the top of everyone's New Year's resolution list. Dave Ramoutar, physician/merchandiser of beauty for over 35 years at the Nirvanha Weight Management Clinic explains the importance of a healthy diet, not just for the New Year, but consistently. "The devil is not in the food. The devil is in the dosage. We can eat all foods, but in moderation and in respect.
"The non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, heart diseases, cancer and stroke are 0the root cause of obesity. "This country has one of the highest incidence of diabetes in the western world with 85 percent of diabetics are found in overweight people," he said. "Because lack of exercise allows you to put on weight, the best option is fruits and vegetables, but in moderation. We are to eat small amounts from the animals. Meat should be eaten reasonably. We are to savour meat.
"Exercise is also important. One should try to exercise at lease 30 minutes a day. "My wish for the New Year is for out country to wake up and realise that good health lies in the plate and not in the doctor's office. Also, its time that you take back your life from the junk food industry because good health is not chance, its choice, it's not nurture, its nature" he ended.
Here are a few tips/advice from Dr. Ramoutar
1. Reduce starch and oil
2. Don't over cook the food- it leads to chronic diseases
3. Fill the plate with colourful raw vegetables
4. Snack on fruits - fresh or dried
5. Look for alternatives to processed meat
6. Choose whole grains
7. Eat breakfast