Stay fit, eat right

Dieting is just one way that people choose to lose a few inches around their waist. They might order a meal, but then realise how fattening it is. The fate of such a meal is then the trash can.

Many of us share our diet programmes with family, friends and even colleagues. Nafeesa Ahmad, a nutritionist at Zulekha Hospital, Dubai spoke to Gulf News about variations in diet requirements amongst people.

She said: "The quantity of food required by every individual is different. In other words, there is no fixed diet that is suitable for all individuals, similar to how there isn't a size that fits all."

Nafeesa pointed out that the size of a meal can be different due to several factors.

She said: "Daily food consumption or any meal of the day varies based on the age, sex, height, weight, physiological condition and health status of a person."

We have all heard of the concept of a balanced diet, but might not be able to clearly define it.

Nafeesa said: 'A balanced diet is the one that has the right proportion of all the nutrients, which are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals."

When asked about the importance of water, she said: "Fibre and water, though not nutrients, are equally essential for good health and well being."

The perfect meal comprises of several food groups, which contain the nutrients in certain proportions.

Nafeesa said: "For optimum health it is necessary to include cereals and grains, vegetables, fruits, milk products, meat and some form of fat in our meals. Including a variety of food items in moderation in all our meals is the key to good health."

With such a list at hand, many might attempt to prepare the ideal meal and end up wasting most of it due to a large quantity.

Nafeesa said: "Small helpings of food on the plate, taken several times during the day, will prevent wastage of food if not palatable. Additionally, this is one of the best ways to manage one's weight!"

A lot of food is wasted at parties and buffets, where people tend to overfill their plates considering the variety of food items available.

Nafeesa said: "Even if people are hungry, a full plate might make them lose their appetite. Everyone is aware of how much they can eat. When food is consumed in small portions, an individual might actually finish it and ask for more. This would avoid any wastage."

For tips on what to eat, Nafeesa encourages people to get some information from a nearby hospital, or speak to a nutritionist.

When ordering a meal, the purpose should be to eat healthy in order to stay fit and live a healthy lifestyle. Following some simple rules would not just guarantee a healthy state, but also wipe out the unnecessary waste of food.