You’ve probably heard about the importance of healthy eating in Dubai but don’t know how to get started. Many people do not have access to healthy foods at local grocery stores. The current economic environment creates a food environment where poor people are at the greatest risk for poor diets and obesity-related diseases. The majority of adults do not get enough fruits and vegetables, and this problem is even more pronounced among low-income groups. Therefore, policies are needed to expand grocery store availability and quality in low-income neighborhoods.
Portion size vs. serving size:
Most people don’t understand the difference between portion size and serving size. The latter is a standardized measure of food that a person should consume. These measurements are usually listed on food packaging, while the former is used to describe the amount of food consumed by a person. Knowing the difference can help you make healthier choices and manage your diet. But if you don’t know what they mean, you might end up making the wrong choice.
Encourage children to try different vegetables, meats, and fruits:
When trying to teach your children about healthy eating, you can begin with family meals. Include more vegetables and fruits with your family’s meals and serve a salad on the side. While some children may not like vegetables at first, it’s important to encourage them to give them a try. Children will feel more involved in the process if they help prepare the meal or choose the vegetables themselves.
Increase access to community kitchens:
A new report focuses on the positive effects of community kitchens on the nutritional intake of participants. This model offers an alternative to emergency food relief, which can create a cycle of dependency. The goal of this systematic review is to assess the impact of community kitchens on participants, identify existing research gaps, and evaluate them as a health promotion strategy.
Modeling healthy eating habits yourself:
Parents should model good eating habits for their children. Parents should not force their children to try everything on their plate. Rather, they should encourage them to take a bite of each item. Some health educators advocate offering both favorite and new food together. In other words, if you eat a piece of broccoli, they’re likely to want a bite of that broccoli as well. Parents should also try to incorporate a variety of vegetables and fruits into their daily meals.