Family

You are what you eat

Leah Pelekamoyo is a young woman studying at the University of Malawi (Unima)’s Polytechnic. She loves working out and watching her weight.

Pelekamoyo does not compromise on her looks and aerobics is one of her favourite routines in keeping fit.

work-out“I had a busy day yesterday so I just grabbed some fast food for supper so now I am trying to burn it off,” she says when Every Woman caught up with her.

“There was a time when I became lazy in terms of working out. I just went overboard with the fast foods and I ate literally anything. I thought I was enjoying life, but I got to a point when my clothes would not fit and I was bulging all over.

“I also used to tire easily. By then, I had gained about 10kgs. That is when I noticed that I had to do something about it”

Pelekamoyo says she works out five times a week. She adds that there is a lot of food on the market and people have every right to eat whatever they want.

Dr. Alexander Kalimbira of the Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (Luanar) says junk food is high in salt, sugar, fat or calories, but has low nutrient content.

“Eating healthy means that one eats a variety of foods in moderation, balances the six food groups and limits high-energy foods,” said Kalimbira.

In agreeing, director of support services and nutritionist at the Blantyre Adventist Hospital (BAH) Honest Chirwa says we should eat for nutritive benefits of food.

“Healthy foods are basically unprocessed whole grains or natural garden foods such as fruits and vegetables. It is important to consume them in right amounts. Also, one needs to take water 30 minutes before every meal, not during or just after a meal.

“Most snacks and all carbonated soft drinks have high fat, calories and sugar. Instead, substitute these snacks with fruits. These junk foods are the major causes of obesity and also contribute to diabetes, high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases because of their high caloric density,” he said.

Fitness trainer Charles Nembele says people are now realising the need to be fit than in the past.

“I personally recommend lemons; frozen and grated. They have great health benefits when added to relish or tea. I also recommend people to walk barefoot whenever to free pressure points in their feet,” says Nembele.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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