The festive season is here, and it is expected that there would be immense merriment to mark the season.
However, Nigerians have been advised to comply with dietary guidelines and practice healthy eating habits this period.
The call was made by Olusola Malomo, a registered nutritionist and National Publicity Secretary of the Nutrition Society of Nigeria (NSN), at the December edition of his monthly healthy living dialogue, an initiative supported by Chi Limited. The dialogue is part of the company’s ‘No-Added Sugar’ campaign.
Malomo noted that a potpourri of celebrations, parties, and carnivals this season meant that most people are likely to indulge with excessive foods, drinks and alcohol. He added that such excessive consumption could leave an individual with a bitter experience to deal with for several years.
Hence, he advised individuals to be cautious about what they eat and drink this season, as excessive food and alcohol consumption predisposes an individual to non-communicable diseases such as high cholesterol, diabetes and heart problems.
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While calling for portion control and discipline, he added that pure fruit juice is a healthy option during the yuletide.
According to Malomo, “Eating goes beyond mere sustenance as healthy food is known to have curative properties. Recent scientific evidence established the fact that some food nutrients such as those contained in 100% fruit juice have the ability to cure certain diseases.”
For all the meals that would be consumed during this festive period and going forward, Malomo stressed the importance of having a glass of 100% fruit juice alongside meals.
“This is because the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines include 100% fruit juice as part of the fruit group, and notes that up to half of the daily fruit intake could come from 100% fruit juice,” he asserted.
Malomo further advised people to keep themselves hydrated especially because of the rising temperatures, adding that daily consumption of water and 100% fruit juices would help with that.
