Healthy eating ‘can improve grades’
The Internet has become a platform for numerous diet fads over the years. These diets often do more harm than good, as they are often not healthy or sustainable, while some can even cause severe health problems. On the other hand, healthy eating can actually help you improve your grades.
A healthy, balanced eating plan is structured around an individual’s specific needs and goals. The World Health Organisation (WHO) stated in an article that a safe and healthy diet protects against any malnutrition and contributes to an optimal state of health, as well as promote a healthy immune system.
Cornel Joubert, a practising dietitian for over two decades and part-time lecturer at Potchefstroom Academy, said, “People should go to professionals for help regarding nutrition as we are educated and trained in the field. We also keep up to date with the latest trends by attending workshops and congresses.”
If you want to change your diet, it can help to speak to a dietitian, who will help you find and form a sustainable lifestyle plan that is suited for you specifically, as well as educate you on nutrition through consultations and follow-up sessions.
According to Options For Youth, healthy eating has been linked to higher grades, better memory and alertness, and faster information processing in students. These benefits are often not the reason why people start eating healthy and following healthier lifestyles. People often want to improve their overall health, with regards to losing weight, gaining weight and even due to medical issues such as food allergies and serious or multiple health problems.
Ciska de Waal, a BA Communication student, has been following a paleo diet for four years. “I experienced a variety of food allergies and discomfort, and I decided to try a natural option, after changing my lifestyle, I felt better and experienced some weight loss.”
De Waal added, “I like that it is healthy food that is always fresh, nothing is canned or processed or pre-packed, and you are conscious of what you eat. The meal planning and preparation, is the hardest part, as it is very time-consuming.”
Mukovhe Maluleke, a BSc Dietetics student, has been following a low-fat diet for nearly two years. “I wanted to lose weight in a healthy way, and that does not need additional supplements. My nutrition is a priority to me as I have learned through my studies how badly it can affect your life if it is not a priority.”
Maluleke added, “My daily energy has increased, and some side-effects I had before starting the diet are gone, but it is sometimes hard to stay consistent.”
If you decide to eat at restaurants, choose wisely. De Waal said, “my ultimate favourite restaurant in Potchefstroom was Happy Me, but they, unfortunately, closed down. They had all the options suited for the lifestyle and was a great option for eating out. Restaurants are a big problem, and it becomes a nuisance to eat at home just because the menus do not have options to suit different dietary requirements.”
There are some shops and restaurants in Potchefstroom that focus on healthy eating, such as Kauai. According to Kauai’s website, the restaurant provides various healthy food, and drink options, as well as the menu, is made to fit all kinds of diets with take-away options.
Healthy food has a reputation of being more expensive than less healthy foods. An article by The Independent, however, indicated that what is deemed as cheaper between healthy and less healthy food depends solely on the metrics one use to measure the foods price. For instance, if you use the price per calorie of food to measure the cost, it suggests that less healthy food is cheaper. However, if the comparison is made on the measure of price per unit weight of food from the same food group is used, the healthy option is often cheaper.
The infographic below provides tips on how to save money while still eating healthy food.
