What day is it?

World Day of Healthy Eating is celebrated annually on October 16 in 50 countries of the world. Nutrition is one of the most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle. There is practically no organ and system in the human body whose normal functioning does not depend on nutrition. Purpose of the event World Day of Healthy Eating: to increase the population’s awareness of the need for proper organization of healthy nutrition. Many people neglect healthy eating for various reasons. And in vain… Today, the connection between nutrition and the development of the main chronic non-infectious diseases, including cardiovascular and some oncological diseases, which are the two leading causes of premature mortality in the world and in Ukraine, has been scientifically proven.

Statistics

The purpose of World Healthy Eating Day is to draw public attention to nutrition issues. According to the World Health Organization, 80 percent of all diseases are to some extent related to food, and 40 percent of them are directly related to human nutrition.

Statistics in the world

A study by the independent scientific organization Global Burden of Disease identified dietary habits that shorten life expectancy. So, the most people in the world die from:
excess salt – 3 million deaths per year;
insufficient consumption of whole grain products – 3 million deaths per year;
fruit shortage – 2 million deaths per year.
“Malnutrition” of healthy foods – nuts, seeds, vegetables, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids, which are rich in seafood – is also the main “killer” of a person.

Statistics in Ukraine

Data from studies that were designed to find out the relationship between food and the risks of death due to diseases of the cardiovascular system show sad results for Ukraine. Therefore, our country ranks 1st in mortality from cardiovascular diseases in Europe, and every fourth fatal case is caused by nothing else than bad eating habits. The main dishes of Ukrainians are white bread, sweets, salt, fried foods, alcohol. However, healthy products such as whole grain products, fruits, legumes, and fish are extremely rare in our diet.

Basic principles of healthy eating

The first thing to do is to decide to eat right. For this, it is worth considering the basic principles of healthy and safe nutrition:

1. A varied, balanced diet. Develop a menu in such a way that it includes dishes from meat and fish, seafood, cereals, greens, vegetables and fruits.
2. Rejection of fast food and refined products. Flour, butter, sugar, table salt – everything falls under the taboo.
3. 6 meals (main meals and snacks). Long breaks between meals can cause stress for the body.
4. The last meal should be no later than 2 hours before bedtime. At night, the digestive system should not be loaded, it needs rest.
5. Store sauces, flavor enhancers, preservatives, and chemical additives should be replaced with sour cream, yogurt, and olive oil. Spices and herbs are suitable for improving taste qualities.
6. In the preparation of dishes, it is better to give preference to baking, boiling, steaming. During frying, carcinogenic substances are released, which negatively affect the body and health in general.

Any changes should be gradual. You should not immediately give up everything. First, it is necessary to reduce the number of harmful products and gradually switch to a healthy diet.

Interesting Facts

1. In parallel with the World Day of Healthy Eating, the World Food Day is celebrated, dedicated to the themes of hunger and healthy eating, and the World Day of Action against McDonald’s. On this day, demonstrations and pickets are held in many countries against the McDonald’s fast food chain, as it uses aggressive advertising to encourage unhealthy eating habits.
2. A healthy diet has a positive effect on the condition of the skin, and the presence of a large amount of carbohydrates with a high glycemic index in the diet leads to the formation of pimples, blackheads and acne.
3. Mood also depends on food. Correct, balanced nutrition makes a person cheerful and cheerful, and a sufficient amount of fruits and vegetables in the diet has a healing effect on mental health.

How to celebrate the World Day of Healthy Eating?

On this day, educational work is carried out among the population about a healthy lifestyle. In the media and on the Internet, materials are published on how to properly prepare your diet and prevent the development of various ailments. Talk shows about proper nutrition and healthy food are held on television, medical and scientific TV programs on this topic are broadcast, and cooking lessons on preparing healthy dishes are arranged. Nutritionists, psychologists and doctors conduct free lectures and consultations on mental and physical health, give valuable recommendations and advice.

In cafes and restaurants on October 16, visitors are offered healthy meals that everyone can prepare at home on their own – for this, chefs give unusual master classes with tastings in public catering establishments. Every guest can make sure that healthy food is tasty, aesthetic, nutritious and filling. The World Day of Healthy Eating destroys stereotypes about the correct balanced diet and increases the attractiveness of healthy food.

Why is this day important?

The World Day of Healthy Eating is designed to familiarize people with the importance of proper and healthy food for health, well-being and prolonging life. A healthy way of eating is the correct functioning of the entire body, the supply of all the necessary micro- and macroelements, useful substances, compliance with the regime and refusal of harmful products. Such a diet contributes to the proper functioning of the digestive system, eliminates dermatological diseases, diseases of the heart and blood vessels, improves the condition of nails, hair, skin, etc.

When will we celebrate World Healthy Eating Day?