Start with a Healthy Breakfast

Malaysians enjoy relatively cheap public healthcare and pride ourselves on globally high-ranked health services. Thus, many of us only look for help when we are ill. But isn't it better to prevent yourself from becoming sick in the first place, rather than seeking treatment only when feeling unwell?

Nutrition plays a very important role in maintaining health and preventing diseases. We all know as we are constantly bombarded with many tips on how to stay healthy. The question is how often do you remember all these Tips?

• Practice BMV (balance, moderation, variety) when having meals.
• Consume more vegetables and fruits. Choose whole grains instead of refined grains. Choose fish and lean meat instead of processed meat.
• Steam, grill and stew instead of deep-fry when cooking at home.
• Limit salt, sugar, fat and oil when cooking. Substitute with herbs and spices as seasoning.
• Drink sufficient water daily. Reduce intake of sugar-sweetened beverages.
• Be mindful of salt, sugar and fat content in packaged foods.
• Look for eateries with healthy options near your workplace.
• Do not skip meals as this can make you hungrier during the next meal, leading to overeating.
• When eating snacks, consume in moderation and choose healthier snacks like bananas, raisins, nuts etc.
• Be a good role model to your children by practising healthy eating yourself.
• For school, prepare healthier home-cooked/packed lunchboxes for your children.
• Beware of fed diets and unscrupulous advertising.