I recently read an article that says pizza is a healthier breakfast choice than cereal? Is this really true?
Yes, a health professional did make that claim on the premise that an average slice of pizza and a bowl of cereal with whole milk contain nearly the same amount of calories. Also the fact that pizza has more protein content that can keep you satiated throughout the morning, makes it a more balanced meal than a typical bowl of sugar flakes.
Although this makes sense to some extent, I would still suggest that one has to be smart about it. What we should really be focusing on is the nutritional content of our food choices, instead of its calorie count. This is because all calories are not equal.
Pizzas can be a healthy balance of carbs, fats and protein so as long as it doesn’t contain unhealthy additives. And it’s still not the best choice you can make for the first meal of the day. Instead, you could look for other high-protein and low-fat alternatives such as an omelette, boiled/scrambled eggs.
Also, if you enjoy cereal for breakfast, remember that the main concern is the sugar content, so try one that is a good source of wholegrain carbohydrates, high in fibre and add some nuts or seeds for a protein boost.
I have an ideal BMI, but my doctor told me that I’m thin outside but fat inside. What does this mean?
You probably fall into the category of people who are lean, but with a disproportionate amount of fat (adipose tissue) stored in the abdomen. It is being described as a Tofi (Thin on the Outside, Fat on the Inside) or skinny fat.
Stored up fat around vital organs such as the liver, pancreas and intestines puts outwardly healthy people at risk. Visceral fat can be a real killer and is much worse than fat you can see from the outside. It is this fat that sends out the chemical signals, which eventually lead to insulin resistance, diabetes and heart conditions.
No matter what your body type is, it’s important to maintain a diet and get the adequate amount of exercise. To lose a pound a week, your calorie deficit must be 500 calories per day. However, your chances of achieving this deficit and therefore of reducing visceral fat are hugely increased if you eat a diet rich in plant-based foods, healthy fats and protein. Exercise can also play a large part in this. Try interval training, in which you break up your steady jog with short, fast bursts. And do it consistently — three to five days a week. Have a little fun, try something new and stay active!
