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Over 50% of Irish people are either overweight or obese*. Studies by the Irish Universities Nutrition Alliance show that obesity is not linked to the type of food consumed, but rather the over all calorie intake and exercise levels. It all comes back to the balance between energy in (food eaten) and energy out (physical activity).

The Nutrition and Health Foundation’s (NHF) Eat Smart Week is an awareness raising initiative. The aim is to highlight that healthy eating is possible to achieve in this time deficient era.

In 2008, our key themes included:

• Eat more slowly - In this time deficient era, we tend to rush though our meals, forgetting to taste the flavours and feel textures of foods. We should look to reconnect with the joy of eating. It takes a few minutes for your brain to tell your body that it has had enough food, so eating slowly can help you to recognise when you feel full.

• Be conscious of portion sizes – Many of us overestimate the amount of food (or portion size) that we need. Learn what constitutes one portion (see the food pyramid), use smaller plates and bowls and serve less food in a meal. If you are still hungry after 20 minutes you can always go back for more.

• Remember 5-a-day of fruit and vegetables-
Fruit and vegetables contain important nutrients and anti-oxidants which help to protect us from heart disease, stroke, and some cancers. Many Irish people fall well short of the recommended intake of 400g of fruit/vegetables per day. To ensure that you’re getting the best health benefits possible, you need 5 portions per day. It’s easier than you think. Salads and vegetable soups are good sources, as are pulses and beans, and of course, delicious smoothies, containing a selection of your favourite fruit and vegetables, fresh, frozen, or dried!

The NHF are delighted to team up with top chef Derry Clarke, from Dublin’s Michelin-starred l’Ecrivain restaurant to offer you a selection of healthy, simple Eat Smart Recipes ».


*Irish Universities and Nutrition Alliance, 2001

Related Topics

NHF Seminar 2008
Positive Approaches to Obesity
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NHF Seminar 2009
Food, fitness and practical solutions to obesity
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