MZANSI women have to juggle many different roles.
They are working professionals, stay-at-home mums, single working mothers or many other combinations.
But what they all have in common is that they are usually the driving force behind their family’s health.
Gert Coetzee, the pharmacist who founded The Diet Everyone Talks About, believes that behind every happy family is a healthy relationship with food.
Below is his guide to get your house healthier and happier.
Family nutrition
Women generally determine their family’s nutrition, from eating habits to food selection and preparation. Healthy low-carb food options include mushrooms, peppers, fish, avocados, cabbage, carrots, spinach, turnips, cauliflower, broccoli and asparagus.
If you are looking for a healthy snack, try almonds, walnuts, cashew nuts, pumpkin seeds or biltong.
Also, make sure that you drink a lot of water every day.
Body health
Some serious medical conditions that affect women include breast cancer, heart disease, ovarian cysts and depression. Eat fewer processed food items. Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables and leaner cuts of meat and fish. Choose food that is high in fibre.
Healthy eating will help you maintain your weight, which is important if you are overweight because that can lead to many dangerous conditions.
Calm your mind
No matter what stage of her life, women deal with a lot of pressure and stress from the different roles they have to play.
Try to manage your stress levels through relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga.
Physical activity
Exercise is fun, so include physical activities in your lifestyle. Take walks around the neighbourhood, ride a bicycle, do gardening, yoga, hiking, dancing or a team sport such as netball.
The benefits of engaging in physical activity include:
- Strong heart and lungs
- Weight control
- Regulated blood pressure
- Improved energy levels
- Cancer prevention
- Reduced blood sugar levels
- Clear arteries and veins
- Stronger bones.
