Think you might have packed on a few pounds during lockdown? You’re not the only one. According to a survey from vitamin and minerals supplier Alive! 37% of people said their body mass index was over 25, the figure indicating that you’re overweight and well on the way to proper obesity. That’s a figure which has risen with almost half of people saying they have put on weight during lockdown. Another study from the Health Food Manufacturer’s Association found that 31.5% felt their general health had worsened during the pandemic.
According to another study, rising levels of obesity mean generations Y and Z are have considerably lower levels of health than their parents. If left unchecked they could be experiencing higher levels of certain diseases and shorter lifespans.
Part of the problem is diet. The study from Alive found that only one in five people are getting the daily recommended target of five portions of fruit and veg a day. Our diets are lacking colour, imagination and nutrients and this is having a major impact on our health.
Naturally, Alive has a solution. They’ve teamed up with TV chef Parveen Ashraf to share some quick, easy and nutritionally balanced recipes you can knock up in your home.
“As you get older, you realise that ‘Health is Wealth’ so I am passionate about good food, eating right food and taking the proper range of supplements to stay healthy. Plus, I am a menopausal woman in my mid 50’s so I need to invest in my health,” says Parveen.
“However, one challenge I think we all have is ensuring we are eating the right amounts of fruit and vegetables daily and I think we are all guilty some days of not eating enough.”
Parveen suggests keeping certain key ingredients in the kitchen at all times including:
- Chicken: rich in protein and vitamins.
- Basa fish: if you can find it, this is a great source of protein and omega 3 fats.
- Chickpease: high in fire and protein, the perfect antidote to blood sugar imbalances.
- Spinach: rich in life boosting chlorophyl, iron and magnesium.
- Turmeric: packed with mineral manganese for joints and vitamin B6 for energy
- Cinnamon: a rich source of antioxidants.
- Garlic: keeps vampires away and is packed with sulphur compounds which reduce blood sugar.
The folks at Alive would also probably like to nudge you in the direction of their supplements which can help to provide you with an added boost of nutrients if it’s lacking in your daily diet.
For more recipes, head to Parveen’s own website which is packed full of healthy nutritional ideas.
