Category: Diet

Ramadan is the month of fasting and prayers for believers of Islam. Fasting is obligatory for all adult, healthy Muslims. During fasting, no food or water intake is permitted from dawn to dusk. Who all are exempted: Children below the puberty age Mentally incapacitated individuals People with acute illness Chronic illness as diabetes with complications While travelling for distances more than 50 miles Menstruating women Pregnant and breast feeding women What are the Risks? Category 1 - Subjects at very high risk – should preferably not fast Episode of severe hypoglycaemia (assistance was needed for recovery) in the last 3 months Recurrent hypoglycaemia Hypoglycaemia unawareness Sustained poor glycaemic control Ketoacidosis in the previous three months Type 1 Diabetes Acute illness Persons performing intense physical labour Pregnancy People on long term…

Nutrition transition: The following dietary factors are associated with increase in NCDs like obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Intergenerational variability in eating patterns Family and social influences in eating patterns Changing trends in dietary intake & cooking practices Reduced consumption of fruits and vegetables Increased consumption of processed and energy dense foods Occupational variability Changing lifestyle Easy availability and feasibility of junk food Education Time constraints TV viewing during meals Healthy tips and Meal pattern for promoting healthier lifestyles Adopt 6-7 small meal pattern instead of 2-3 major meals. Eat at frequent intervals avoiding gaps (>3 hrs) in between meals. Look for healthy eatables in-between major balanced meals. Ensure balance meals comprising all the food groups Drink at least 2-3 litres water/day. Minimize intake of food items containing saturated…

Research shows that protein in the morning makes it difficult for sugar cravings to take hold later on. Lean protein options like eggs, yogurt, peanut butter, and low-fat cheese produce less of the hunger-stimulating hormone ghrelin and more PPY, a hormone that signals fullness. MRI scans of high-protein breakfast eaters in a University of Missouri study showed reduced activity in areas of the brain associated with cravings. Can’t stomach food too early in the morning? No problem. Eat it by 10 AM and you’ll still help quell that late-day sugar rush.