When it comes to food, the truth is undeniable: some options pack a more powerful nutrient punch than others. This isn’t just hearsay; there’s solid research backing up this claim.
While the conversation isn’t necessarily “good” vs “bad” food, it’s crucial to recognize that overindulging in certain foods can lead to health issues down the road.
Take type 2 diabetes- often referred to as a lifestyle disease because lifestyle factors play a significant role in its onset and management.
Poor dietary choices, such as consuming high amounts of sugar, unhealthy fats, and processed foods, can contribute to obesity and insulin resistance, both of which are major risk factors for type 2 diabetes. Examples include 2mins noodles, white rice, white bread, fried foods, baked goods like meat pies, sausage rolls to mention a few.
Lifestyle diseases earn their name for a reason—they stem from our everyday choices. But here’s the flip side: preventing them hinges on those very choices as well.
Even with a family history of diabetes looming over you, tweaking your diet and lifestyle can be a game-changer. I remember my uncle, over 25 years ago warned by a medical doctor that he was headed for diabetes and the only way to avoid it was to make some changes to his diet. My uncle also lost him mum to diabetes.
Almost like a light switch, my uncle changed his diet (I must commend his willpower) he completely stopped eating semolina, white rice, sugar and started to eat Eba as swallow and made sure he ate vegetables every day. I won’t lie his foods were mostly bland because he didn’t have alternatives to bouillon cubes and used very little salt and no red oil (ouch). But his resolve paid off—he dodged a diabetes diagnosis and is now thriving in his 70s.
Then there’s the inspiring story of Eric Adams, now the mayor of New York.
Facing partial blindness from type 2 diabetes, he rewrote his story by swapping donuts for whole foods and sugary drinks for nourishing smoothies. In just weeks, his vision cleared, and months later, some symptoms reversed. He even influenced his mother to adopt his new eating habits, leading to a reduction in her medication. Watch his story here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjA-1xI3kbQ
These stories underscore the power of nutrition in transforming lives.
I steer clear of demonizing food; instead, I advocate for understanding the benefits and the value each food brings to the table. This knowledge should steer us towards embracing nutrient-dense choices over calorie-dense, nutrient-poor options like soda. Opting for high-value foods ensures we nourish our bodies effectively, supporting overall health and well-being.
Feeling hungry soon after a meal? It’s likely due to a lack of fiber or protein that keeps you full longer. I tested this theory myself—beans versus white rice.
A smaller beans portion keeps me satisfied far longer than a larger rice serving. Why? Beans contains fiber and some protein, while white rice lacks these essentials.
Understanding these nuances can steer us towards smarter food decisions, not out of fear but informed choice. This shift doesn’t just impact our health; it fosters a healthier relationship with food.
My key takeaways are simple yet profound:
Thank you for reading.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments below.
2 Comments
Very timely and instructive, thanks To
I’m glad you got value. Thank you for reading