Afro Kitchen NL

A FOODIE CAN ALSO BE HEALTHY

admin — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 00:47:20 +0000

I love good food. I also cook good food. But my challenge is usually in eating what I cook because I have a poor appetite. However, there are people whose appetite is so large that the portions they are served are never enough. They love food so much that they don’t mind eating whatever they are served and the stop function in their stomach has been overwhelmed and is now malfunctioning. They are called foodies. They eat well.
To be a foodie is a good thing; I mean why did God create so much good food when they cannot be consumed? The problem usually is that some foodies take it out of proportion such that their eating affects their health. Although there are some foodies who, no matter how much they eat, it never culminates to weight gain, it doesn’t mean that these excess food intake does not have a negative effect on health. Take for instance, a cargo ship from a distance may seem like it is not carrying anything but at close range, the amount of cargo in it may sink an ordinary ship. In much the same way, a foodie may look slim but what s/he consumes per time may affect his or her health.
That said, foodies can still live healthy lives. They can still eat what they want and not feel sorry if they learn to do it right.
Incorporating good portions of fruit and vegetables are healthy choices foodies can make in their daily dietary requirements. The place of exercise is also important as it helps to burn off the extra calories that may have been obtained due to their foodie lifestyle. Making right choices on food options is also necessary. Instead of always having beef and chicken, opting for fish sometimes can help to reduce the amount of calorie intake.
Foodies can eat their cake and have it; they don’t have to be apologetic about that.

ANIMAL PROTEIN; WHEN YOU ARE LOST FOR CHOICE

admin — Tue, 05 Jan 2021 00:46:55 +0000

I have been to occasions and sometimes the catering service offered is a buffet. I am usually to choose between taking fish or chicken or beef. Now I wouldn’t mind being offered all (I love meat like that), but the challenge I have every time is to choose which one I would rather go for. Fish would taste nice, I begin to imagine, but the succulence of nicely grilled chicken begins to tempt me. If you have ever been in this position, then you would understand that making the right choice is usually such a herculean task.
With time, I came to realise that it became easier to make a choice as I understood the health benefits of each of the animal proteins and could tell what my body needed per time.
Fish is a great source of good animal protein. It is one of the healthier choices and is also good for the heart. It is usually recommended for people who have issues with obesity as it has little or no effect on weight gain depending on the amount consumed.
Chicken is also a preferred animal protein compared to beef. Although its taste endears many to it, it is usually advised that only little portions be eaten per time as it may affect health if eaten in excess of what the body needs.
Beef, which is also known as cow meat is not always the best option because of its implications in the risk for heart disease. Amidst the negative effects, beef also has some great health benefits of preventing iron deficiency anaemia and increasing muscle mass due to its high protein content. It is also full of vitamins.
Animal proteins in general are good for the health when taken in moderate amounts. However, depending on your health condition, whenever faced with the option of choosing any one of them, be well guided to make the right choice.

CARBOHYDRATES ARE GOOD; BUT…

admin — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 16:29:45 +0000

The side effect of too much carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are a very necessary part of the food chain. They provide instant energy and are readily available, no matter your pocket strength. Foods such as rice, garri, plantain, corn, yam, bread etc. form major parts of the carbohydrate meals that are consumed by individuals and families on a daily basis. For some families, the absence of one of these food items in their daily meals tends to be a taboo. There must be at least bread for breakfast, pounded yam for lunch and rice for dinner. A plant protein like beans can be introduced every now and then but carbohydrates are a staple food that have come to say.
As the saying goes, ‘too much of something is bad enough’. But can there be too much carbohydrates? The glaring answer is ‘YES’.
Studies have shown that eating of too much carbohydrates can lead to increase in blood sugar levels. The resultant effect of this is that it makes the body to produce too much insulin, hence the cells of the body begin to save the extra glucose as fat. This can lead to diabetes and other related health issues.
Carbohydrate diets are good because they supply essential macronutrients that are needed by the body for healthy living and energy production. However, only moderate intake of carbohydrates is necessary for proper body function and for providing a healthy diet.
When in excess, carbohydrates tend to have a negative impact on health, leading to obesity and other health related issues.
Medical practitioners usually advise that patients step down on their carbohydrate intake and introduce other categories of food which serve for a balanced diet.
So the next time you think of loading too much on carbohydrates, remember that carbohydrates also have negative side effects that may not be pleasant at the long run.