Finding It Difficult To Lose Weight? I have the answer – Mrs Yemisi Solanke -Lawal

For a number of people, the need to lose some weight is real, what with all the negative effects experts have tied with being overweight. BLESSING EKUM speaks with a nutritionist and Chief Executive Officer, Evergreen Health and Social Care Ltd, Mrs. Yemisi Solanke-Lawal, on why a food timetable is important for overweight people seeking to burn the fat.

FROM the nutritional point of view, is a food timetable necessary?

Well, food timetable may be necessary because it helps add to the variety of food you plan to eat, thereby making your diet more balanced.

Is it beneficial for overweight people who want to lose some weight?

Yes it is particularly beneficial because they can carefully plan and remove fatty and non-nutritious foods from their diet.

How does one’s diet affect weight loss? Does one need to starve to lose weight?

Diet plays an important role in weight loss, especially one’s food portion or size. So, to lose weight, go for a smaller food portion.

For someone who want to lose weight, what should one put into consideration before drawing up a food timetable?

More of fruits and vegetables as well as rice, bread, potato, pasta and other starchy foods.  Followed by meat, fish, beans, eggs and other non-dairy sources of protein as well as milk and dairy foods. Foods and drinks high in fat and/or sugar should be taken in very little quantity.

Can you share a typical meal for someone wanting to lose weight?

For a Sunday meal, the person can have a slice of yam (about the size of a bar of soap), one egg, one teaspoon of oil, mixed vegetable (onions, chilli pepper, tomatoes) for breakfast.

A slice of pawpaw would do for snack. 

For lunch, four heaped tablespoon size of jollof rice, mixed vegetable (sweetcorn, peas, carrots), a piece of fat-free red meat and one apple as snack.

One fist-size of amala, three heaped tablespoon size of leafy vegetable (for example, Ugwu), a medium slice of mackerel fish would do for dinner. It can be taken with two tangerines. As far as drinks go, at least 1.5 litres of water is recommended.