LIFESTYLE NEWS - “There is a link between nutritious food and wellbeing. Not only does nutritious food give us sustained energy and focus and benefits mental health, but it also reduces disease such as heart disease and diabetes,” says dietician Nadene Polayya.

As the Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness commemorates National Nutrition Week from 9 to 15 October, their message is that healthy eating is a key component of a healthy lifestyle and community. 

This year’s theme, “Eat right for a better life”, aims to encourage residents to make affordable, healthy food choices every day.

“Eating healthy from a young age helps children and adults reach their full potential. It provides the right type of fuel for the body and brain to grow and develop optimally. Nutritious foods support sustained energy and focus, improving learning and work performance. 

This can lead to fewer medical visits and less stress on individuals, families, communities and the healthcare system. Good nutrition and affordable food benefits mental health. This, in turn, helps people achieve more and strengthens earning potential and the economy,” says Polayya.

The 2023 National Food and Nutrition Security Survey (NFNSS) data shows that 57,4% of adults are classified as either overweight (25,3%) or obese (32,1%).

Many unhealthy food products, such as packaged baked goods, chips, fizzy drinks, breakfast cereals and many ready-to-go meals, are filled with added sugars, fats, salts, colours, emulsifiers, flavours and other harmful additives that have been directly linked to more than 30 harmful health effects globally, including obesity, numerous diseases and premature death.  

“ Prioritise eating nutrient-dense foods such as colourful vegetables, fibre-rich starchy foods like brown bread, legumes and sweet potatoes, and proteins like chicken, fish, amasi or eggs for a longer, healthier life. Drinking water is an important part of healthy eating and should therefore be the beverage of choice. Avoid sugary drinks,” says Polayya.

Dietician Nadene Polayya with patient Nonkoliso Grootboom.

Patient Nonkoliso Grootboom says she tries to make the best food choices with what she can afford. "It is sometimes difficult if you must make a meal for a large family. I know that portion size also matters, so I try to have smaller portions of less healthy foods.”

Polayya’s diet plan

• Most of what we eat should consist of mainly unprocessed foods from plants, for instance vegetables, fruit, starchy foods and legumes.

• Sugar, salt and fat should be used sparingly in food preparation and at the table.

• Drinking water is an important part of healthy eating and should therefore be the beverage of choice. Avoid sugary drinks.

• Eating plenty of vegetables and fruit regularly can help prevent chronic diseases, including heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, some types of cancer, aging related eye diseases and type-2 diabetes. These foods are also high in fibre (roughage), which ensures proper bowel functioning and helps to prevent constipation and related symptoms like bloating.

The first 1 000 days

Babies should be given only breastmilk for the first six months of life. Breastmilk contains all the energy, vitamins and other nutrients and water in the correct amounts that the baby needs. They should not be given any other food or fluids, not even water, except for medicine prescribed by a doctor or nurse. 

From the age of six months, appropriate and culturally acceptable complementary foods should be introduced and breastfeeding continued until the child is at least two years old.
 
The department’s head of communication in the Garden Route and Central Karoo, Nadia Ferreira, says their existing initiative, The first 1 000 days, includes programmes of early childhood development interventions for good nutrition, which show good indications of making a positive difference. 

“The department continues to work within communities and with its partner organisations to actively engage parents, guardians and carers in communities and empower them on good health and nutrition for children growing up.

“Let’s ensure all children have access to nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein-rich options like beans, eggs, and peanut butter!
 
Residents are advised to visit their nearest clinic for advice or help with a healthier lifestyle.

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