Recently, I was asked to give a talk about healthy diet and taking care of the body, to a group of teenagers. At one point I noted that although they were bright, positive, and well-educated, they seemed to have the notion that whatever they put into their mouths that was tasted and enjoyed by the mouth would then drop, as though by gravity, out at the other end as a waste product. It was clear that they did not realise that it is only the fibre in food that is released by the body as a waste product. Everything that you put into your mouth ends up in your blood stream, and affects the body, good or bad.
Our bodies have five physical needs – water – food – sleep – exercise – and oxygen. We need food, water, and oxygen for energy. Food mixes with saliva and goes to the stomach where it is broken down by acid. If you eat an apple, for example, some of the apple goes into the blood, and what cannot be broken down passes into the large intestine as a waste product. If you eat a lot of cakes containing hydrogenated fat (like margarine), over a period of time you can raise the level of cholesterol in the blood, which narrows the arteries. Your liver is your blood-cleansing organ; if you drink a glass of beer, your liver has to work for an hour to clean it out of your blood.
Peer groups have a big influence on teenagers and they have to learn how to say no to some things that are harmful to their bodies. Sometimes, being ‘cool’ can mean being passive. When you are assertive, you put your own needs on an equal footing, and can say ‘no’ with a smile or a joke. Teenagers need to learn how to be logical, or simply change the subject and walk away.
Join Me in My Weekly Task
•Drink at least 2 litres, or 8 glasses, of water per day.
Why? - If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Water is a natural source of energy for the brain; it keeps your kidneys functioning. Your body is made up of around 70% water. It helps flush out toxins and waste products. It makes you feel less tired – and it’s great for fresh looking skin.
How? - Start with a glass of water first thing in the morning. Drink a glass before each cup of tea or coffee. Drink a glass before each meal. Carry a small bottle of water with you to drink in the car. And buy an extra case of water this week!
Recipe of the Week
Red Snapper With Garlic
Serves 6
Ingredients
10 g unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ tbsp grape juice
6 red snapper steaks
Method
Melt butter in a heavy non-reactive saucepan over medium heat. Stir in garlic and sauté until garlic just turns golden. Add grape juice and season with black pepper to taste. Turn on broiler. Arrange fish on broiler pan and brush with seasoned butter. Broil 10 cm from heat source 10-15 minutes, or until fish is opaque. Serve with remaining seasoned butter.
Ask Alva
I always read your column and I really like your healthy tips. As you have mentioned, people who have slower metabolisms are the ones who get fat very fast. I have a very slow metabolism and I am overweight. Is there any way that I can make my metabolism faster? Vivian
Some specialists believe that our metabolism can slow down and change as a result of going on many diets, and especially when yo-yo dieting, as the body feels it is under siege. However, if you stick to a sensible nutritional diet it will return to normal. If you take regular exercise, this tones the body and increases muscle, which in turn burns more calories. The more you exercise and the fitter you are the faster your metabolism. If you email me [email protected] I will send you a copy of my healthy eating guide.