One must be careful of all that they are consuming for it can directly affect their health. (Image: Shutterstock)
When dining out, be aware of the cooking methods, and choose healthier selections if possible.
It is no sin to crave sweets like cake, doughnuts, and ice cream, as well as savoury treats like chips or French fries. Sometimes you just have to reward yourself and give in to your strong cravings. While it’s OK to enjoy many of these things in moderation, you must ensure not get overboard with them. Many of these food items and drinks, if consumed regularly, can impact your health negatively.
“Assume you’re an accomplished sculptor, and your body is your masterpiece. Every bite you consume is a chip of clay you add. Now, with healthy meals like vibrant fruits and vegetables, you can add attractive, powerful colours and smooth textures. But oily, sugary snacks are like crumbly crumbs that can eat away at your masterpiece,” said Kanikka Malhotra, Delhi-based consultant dietitian, and diabetes educator as quoted by India Today.
According to dietician Kanikka, there is no ‘worst’ food; nevertheless, if she had to choose something that is generally less nutritional, she would pick sugary drinks such as sodas, sports drinks laden with sugar, or coffee drinks with whipped cream and syrups. She feels that:
- The foods listed above are high in sugar yet contain little to no vitamins, minerals, or fibre. It’s like feeding your body empty calories without providing the building blocks that it needs.
- Too much sugar can cause a blood sugar spike and collapse, leaving you tired and jittery.
- Sugar puts your teeth in danger by providing food for the bacteria that cause cavities in your mouth.
- Sugary beverages are the worst, according to Neelima Bisht, chief clinical nutritionist, dietetics department, Paras Health, Gurugram. For improved health, she recommends drinking water, unsweetened teas, or natural fruit-infused water instead.
Meanwhile, Kanika Narang, deputy manager of the dietetics department at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals in New Delhi, believes that trans fats, widely found in fried foods, baked products, and processed snacks, are a deal-breaker. According to the expert, if you want to eat trans fats, you should do it seldom and as a pleasure rather than as a staple in your diet.
