The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations is proud to hold World Food Day on October 16th. As the obesity rate across the globe rises, their initiative is a call to action for people to make smart eating part of their daily lives. Good health starts with nourishment, so sustainable diets are key to keeping people at their prime. Better health means fewer visits to the doctor’s office — turns out the “apple a day” theory may be more than just a saying!
In honor of World Food Day, our vybe urgent care team is digging into some important info when it comes to your dietary choices and how food can change the way we live.
The FAO understands that taking this position requires participation from society at large rather than just individuals. Their #ZeroHunger hashtag is calling for “countries, decision makers, private businesses,” and so on to do their part in making healthy food available for everyone. From combatting undesirable climate conditions, which cut down on crops, to sedentary lifestyles leading to overeating (primarily processed foods), the threats to the population are real and the impact is alarming. Malnutrition, illness, and other diet-related issues are severely affecting the human race.
On the individual level, every one of us can make smarter food selections. These tips can be transformative — turning lives around, ending the obesity epidemic, and giving the younger generations a manageable model to emulate throughout their lives.
Convenience store snacks are tasty, however, what’s in the bag is usually far from health-friendly. Enjoy these treats in moderation, but don’t let them become the basis of your diet.
Pick fresh food whenever possible. Understandably, not everyone lives in an area where fresh food is easily accessible. In this case, choose canned or packaged goods that are protein-rich, low in sodium, and cost-friendly. Beans, canned veggies, pre-packaged fruits, nuts, and seeds are smart choices.
If you are fortunate enough to have access to fresh produce, meats, and dairy, but are on a tight budget, seek out supermarket sales. There’s always something tasty and healthy for you. When you eat well most of the time, a “guilty pleasure” every now and then isn’t so terrible. We all have a sweet tooth to satisfy!
Parents are the number one role models for their little ones. If you’re a mom, dad, or guardian that doesn’t make smart diet decisions, your kids will most likely follow suit. Not to say sweets and treats should be banned altogether, but overall, a well-balanced diet can lead to a healthier and happier family.
Explain why you choose leafy greens over fried chips and why tomato-based sauces are a better option than creamy ones. If you’re not sure which foods are better for your family, Eat This, Not That is a resource that’s family-friendly and full of food facts you can easily follow. In a nutshell, the FAO considers “fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds and whole grains, and foods that are low in fats (especially saturated fats), sugar and salt” to be nutritious.
While World Food Day is only one day per year, healthy eating is a 365-day dedication. Do your part to put the health of yourself and your family at the forefront. It all starts around the dinner table with discussion and what’s on your plate!
Even the healthiest eater has the occasional tummy ache or wakes up not feeling his best. When this happens, your local vybe urgent care can help get you back to feeling like a much better you.
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