The Risks of a Poor Diet | Health

The risks of a poor diet and being overweight

Introduction
Being healthy is also about what you eat - choosing the right food. It is important to enjoy the food you eat - and eating in a healthier way may even be cheaper!

There is a direct relationship between your level of physical activity and how much energy you use up from the food you eat. If you eat more than you use the surplus energy is stored as body fat; this means you will become overweight which in itself increases your risk of disease and disability.

The risks to you: Coronary Heart Disease, high blood pressure, non-insulin dependent diabetes, constipation, joint pain, being out of breath. Your risks multiply if you eat too much animal fat, smoke, drink alcohol and take very little exercise

The risks to your family: Coronary Heart Disease, development of bad eating habits, poor life expectancy But leading a Healthy Lifestyle isn't only about being the right weight for your height.

Understanding the ingredients that make up your diet
Meat, Fish and Pulses
Eating too much animal fat is a main cause of ill-health. Our bodies need very little but most of us eat too much. You may have heard of saturated fats. These are found mainly in the meat of cows, pigs and sheep and in products which include their meat and fat, such as sausages, meat pies and beef burgers. Eating too much Saturated Fat can lead to Coronary Heart Disease and being overweight.

Unsaturated fats, however, are found in oily fish, chicken, eggs, turkey, duck, beans and lentils and foods made from these. Unsaturated fat may be better for you, but eating too much fat of any type can increase your weight. It is better to buy a small amount of lean meat rather than fatty meat or solid fat.

It is even better to eat more fish of all kinds. And don't forget to increase your ironintake by eating liver. Traditional meals using beans and pulses provide good nourishment; remember to cut down on any animal fat used in cooking, e.g. in soups do not add fat and do not fry food.

If you use any fat or oil in cooking use less. Steaming, boiling and grilling without extra fat or oil helps to cut down your total intake of fat. Reduce the amount of fat in all your recipes. Eat bread without spreading butter on it. Try to cut down on sugar as it causes dental decay and increases your weight and it doesn't give you any nutrients. For everyone: where fat is involved, less is best.
Milk and Dairy Produce
Milk, cheese and yoghurt are good sources of protein, vitamins and minerals, but they are also high in animal fat. To achieve a Healthy Lifestyle it is important to eat some milk and dairy produce. If semi-skimmed or skimmed milk is available this is better for adults as it contains less fat.

And, of course, the best milk for babies and young toddlers is breast milk which contains everything they need for up to six months of age for their healthy start in life and can be continued for up to two years.
Potatoes, Bread, Rice and Cereals
These starchy foods are not fattening unless you cook or serve them with fat. In fact these foods give you energy for all the activities of your daily life.

In addition they are a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals as well as starch. They should definitely form the main part of most meals, and preferably, every meal. If possible eat whole grain varieties of cereals since these are high in fibre. The additional benefit is that fibre can help to prevent constipation and other bowel disorders.

Remember potatoes are an excellent source of vitamin C (especially if you do not peel them) and therefore can help to prevent anaemia if eaten along with iron containing foods. So eat more potatoes, bread, cereal and rice everyday.
Vegetables and Fruit
Vegetables are the main source of minerals and vitamins in our diet. Many of us do not eat enough of either. Some vegetables traditionally grown in your areas may be available all the year round.

Try to eat what is in season and add beans and lentils which are excellent sources of minerals. Eat more iron-containing food such as green vegetables. Locally produced vegetables are usually the cheapest and the most full of flavour and nutrients because they are fresh. Even better is growing your own vegetables and using them directly from the garden.

Fruit is also a good source of minerals and vitamins. Try to eat seasonal fruit and preserve as many of the wild or garden fruits as you can by freezing, canning or drying them. Eat at least five portions of frruit and vegetables each day.