Nutrition is not just science, it’s life

Can you write on the importance of nutrition, said the editor. Of course I could. I can talk about this subject for hours. Often I drive my husband and our friends to tears as I take off on what, and what not, to eat till I suddenly relent and just to shock and them and prove to them that I am still human eat something really ‘bad’. As I write, I am sitting in my home office in Ras Al Khaimah, where I moved two months ago. I am surrounded by greenery, flowers and the chirping of birds. On my table is a large cup of green tea and a plate of my homemade dehydrated nut/date cookies. They are crunchy, sweet and contain no dairy, sugar, eggs, wheat or anything you would find in conventional cookies. I am hoping to have some on display soon at the Dubai Herbal & Treatment Centre, so feel free to pop in and try a few free. And so to the question, “Is nutrition complicated?” If you had asked me this 10 years ago, I would’ve probably asked you in turn what nutrition means in the first place. I had no idea then. I do now. While it’s true that nutrition is the science of how the body uses food, the larger truth is that nutrition is life. All living things need food and water. It’s also true that if you don’t eat and drink at all, you will die. But the whole truth is that if you don’t eat and drink nutritious stuff, you will die earlier than you should due to diseases and ailments that result from poor eating choices. So it does not take a complicated theory to bring home the truth about the importance of nutrition.We need nutrients to breathe, move, think, see, hear, smell, taste, eliminate waste… everything that is natural to a living body. Protein, fat, carbohydrates and water are the macro (big) nutrients and vitamins and minerals the micro (small) nutrients. All of these we get from food. I would like you to remember this: For food to be healthy, it should be recognisable as a food that has either grown in the soil or in case of animal food, grazed on grass. As far as possible, try to eat food in its most natural state. Want to drink juice? Make it at home from fresh fruits or vegetables. Want to eat fries? Make them at home. Cut big, firm potatoes into chunks, drizzle with olive oil and a smattering of herbs and sea salt. Create your own salad dressing from olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, pepper and fresh herbs. Nourishing yourself with good food is not difficult. If you want to feel good, look good and live a long and energetic life, it’s worthwhile to invest in it. If you need help, I am happy to give you helpful tips. Here is a primer on nutrients: Proteins: Animal protein: Beef, lamb, poultry, duck, game… (lean cuts, organic and free range preferably to avoid the antibiotics and other chemicals found in them nowadays). Poultry: Chicken, turkey and their eggs (organic, free-range). Plant proteins: beans, lentils, chickpeas, etc. Cow’s dairy and plant-based ‘milks’. Carbohydrates Potatoes (including sweet) Wholegrains like rice, wholegrain breads Various other nutritious grains such as millet, amaranth, quinoa, spelt, buckwheat… Good fats Nuts and seeds (unsalted and unroasted). Avocado. Cold pressed oils such as olive, flax, hemp and argan. Organic butter. Minerals and vitamins: All fresh fruits and vegetables. Water Clean, fresh water