The food sector is globally the dominant user of natural resources and is a major driver of environmental impacts such as soil degradation and water depletion. As a chef, I can categorically say that food is essential because every creature depends on it for survival, but this could also turn into a nightmare for its consumers if the selection process is not handled properly.
Selection of food is very important in meal management as it involves eating healthy, food nutrient preservation, and prevention of diseases. When preparing meals, we aim to preserve the nutritional values of the food and eat healthily, but in reality, food preparation begins on the farm and not in the kitchen or the dining table.
When selecting your meals, note the following:
- Cleanliness
Prior to purchasing and preparing food, ensure that you not only purchase your food in a clean and hygienic environment, but that you also prepare, dish up, and consume your meals in a clean and hygienic environment. Your environment is your mental health, your kitchen, your dining table, and everything in between. You become what you consume. Eat right and live well.
- Avoid the purchase of frozen food and fruits.
Unfortunately, some frozen foods like meat are processed, having chemicals or artificial ingredients resident in them. Take, for instance, the presence of bisphenol-A, aka BPA. BPA contains toxic acids, leaving consumers prone to reproductive problems, metabolic disorders, cancer, and heart disease.
- Do not purchase open or bulging jars or cans.
Consuming food from cans and jars is not the best option, especially if it has not been opened (by you) or bulged. The content of these food can be questionable and unsafe for consumption. Stay clear of them!
- Reheat cooked food thoroughly.
Hunger can bring out the ‘best’ in you. No matter how hungry you are, do not throw caution out the window. Make sure to properly reheat your meals before eating them to kill any bacteria that has grown.
- Profect your food from insects, rodents, and other animals.
Unhealthy chemicals are not the only enemies attacking the nutrients in your food. To prevent them from petching and leaving germs in your meals, always keep your food produce and cooked meals safe from the aforementioned pests.
It is important to protect your food products as much as possible to prevent the consumption of substances that could harm your health. Your goal should not be to prepare delicious delicacies but to ensure proper protection of your food produce. Remember, health is wealth; stay healthy and live a wealthy life.
