THOUGHTS ON FOOD
When it comes to weight control, how much you eat is just as important as what you eat
W
ith a disturbing increase in the number of South Africans who are overweight or obese, there is a dire need to examine our eating habits. Obesity paves the way to lifethreatening secondary conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and strokes, and increases the risk of cancer.
How serious is the obesity
problem? 65% of South African adult women are either overweight or obese and 40% of adult women are obese (a 10% increase over the past decade). About 30% of men are either overweight or obese, and 20% of preschool children are overweight (also an increase of 10%). These children are likely to be overweight as adults.
Why are South Africans
getting fatter? Obesity is related to a variety of socio-economic, environmental and behavioural factors. Eating patterns are changing: we seek more convenient options and eat out more. Portion sizes are larger and our intake of energy-dense and highly processed foods and drinks is on the rise. The prevalence of obesity is higher in urban areas. The main causes of being overweight are a sedentary lifestyle combined with unhealthy eating habits.
Why focus on portion control? Combating obesity requires a multi-faceted approach. One important aspect is improving awareness of our kilojoule intake through portion control.
What does portion control
mean? It means having a good understanding of what a reasonable portion size is, one that meets our nutritional needs but doesn’t result in excess kilojoule intake. Being mindful about how much we’re eating to ensure we don’t overeat. Adjusting our environments so that eating smaller portions and choosing nutrient-dense foods becomes habitual and easy, especially in a society that encourages “super-sizing”.
How do we reduce portion
sizes? Use smaller plates, bowls, glasses and utensils. Eat slowly — the brain takes time to register that the stomach is full. Combat poor snacking habits by having easy-eating fruit and vegetables available. Buy small, individually packed snacks.
How will the Woolworths
Slimmer’s Choice range help? All food types are suitable if eaten in appropriate portions and as part of a balanced diet, but the Slimmer’s Choice range focuses on energy and fat control in line with basic nutrition principles. It is designed to assist those wanting to manage their weight. All prepared meals in the range offer a convenient solution that is kilojoule-controlled and low in fat, but still delicious. Our Slimmer’s Choice snacks, desserts and treat foods have at least 25% less fat or fewer kilojoules than similar products on shelf, and are packaged in convenient, portion-controlled sizes.