| Festive Feasting – Eat Right!
By:
Mrs Magdalin Cheong
,
Chief Dietician/Manager
,
Dietetic & Catering Dept , CGH
It is often said of Singaporeans that our favourite national hobbies are shopping and eating! Yes, we Singaporeans certainly love our food……. all types of yummy, glorious food. Licensed dining establishments in Singapore have been on the rise over the past decade; in 1997 there were 1942 such outlets, but in 2001 the number rose to 2332! Do we need any other evidence to prove the popularity of food?
Eating is necessary to provide our bodies with essential nutrients. However, eating correctly is also important during the festive season, since good health is essential to a good life. To help you keep fit and healthy for the coming festive season, here are some practical tips:
Healthy Festive Feasting Tips
1. |
Enjoy a variety of food. If you are an individual with cancer and are experiencing taste changes from cancer treatment, eat in restaurants that feature buffets so that you can try small amounts of a variety of food. |
2. |
Say ‘no’ to rich (creamy, oily or sugary) food. |
3. |
If you choose to eat meat, request lean meat that is not deep-fried. |
4. |
Do not eat non-stop throughout the day and night; try to stick to mealtimes. |
5. |
Eat a balanced meal, not just meat or poultry only. |
6. |
Try new foods. Food you may not have liked before may start to taste good to you! |
7. |
Eat with your family and friends so that meal times are enjoyable social occasions. Join in the celebration “toast” by all means, but ease up on fizzy drinks and alcohol. |
8. |
Following festive feasting, designate a “diet day" on which you eat more fresh fruits and vegetables . |
9. |
When all else fails, try a salad! Olive oil is the healthiest dressing. |
10. |
To enjoy another season of festive feasting, remember to exercise regularly all year long. |
Festive Feasting for Cancer patients
Continue with your “normal” diet, and include some “treats” during the festive season. Eat in moderation and do not go overboard on sugary and oily foods. Festive cakes and cookies are fine in moderation. Whatever foods you eat, remember to include adequate fruits and vegetables each day so as to have sufficient vitamins and minerals in your diet.
Wishing all of you a year of excellent health and happy healthy festive feasting! |
