Shop wisely
SERENIA Raqitawa, 61, says her secret to being fit and healthy all comes down to wise shopping decisions and getting the right hours of sleep.
Our shopper of the week adds one should not only make healthy changes when it comes to the food they consume but also the way they live their lives.
"Change your way of life and eventually you will change your eating habits," she said.
"Learn to make good choices about the things that matter like your health — so eat more vegetables and cut down on a few practices like smoking and drinking too much kava. Also if you can't exercise every day, go outside and do as many activities as possible like gardening or farming."
Ms Raqitawa shops twice a week (Mondays and Fridays) at her all-time favourite supermarket — NewWorld, in Nausori.
STAY away from frozen foods and have a wellplanned healthy grocery list.
These were the words of Serenia Raqitawa who adds shoppers must also learn to stick to their budget.
With origins to Nukutubu, Rewa, Ms Raqitawa prefers to shop at NewWorld Supermarket in Nausori because of three reasons.
"One of the reasons I like to shop at NewWorld supermarket is because it’s clean and spacious," she said.
"Secondly, the staff members are always helpful and lastly — it’s so much closer to the bus stand which makes it really easy for me to catch my bus afterwards."
Ms Raqitawa has a small canteen which has been operating for more than 10 years now.
Her grocery shopping mostly includes her canteen items and a few basic food items like sugar, flour, rice and toiletries.
"I think it’s very important to keep your body active," Ms Raqitawa said.
"Make a habit to have a shopping list — in that way you will know what to buy and what not to buy. A shopping list is important because it prevents you from buying unnecessary items and it will save you time. Be wise when you shop and learn to pick right. Even if you have a small piece of land, cultivate on it and plant a few vegetables on it — not only would it help you save money but also keep you active."
With a budget of $100 a week, Ms Raqitawa also likes to shop for healthy fruits and vegetables at the Nausori market.
The breadwinner of her family lives with her two brothers who look after their cattle and piggery farm.
Ms Raqitawa's favourite food is ura vakalolo (prawns cooked in coconut milk).
"You could either cook in salted water or coconut milk," she said.
"Other ingredients you could add include onions, ginger, tomatoes, garlic and lemon juice."