Healthy Eating in the Wake of Climate or Weather Changes

Ama Afrakoma Amoah (RD, Mphil)

Change in the weather conditions consequently affects and changes the agricultural nature at a particular time and hence the accessibility and affordability of food. Heathy eating becomes an enemy or an after thought in these seasons. Here are some tips to eat healthy even in the midst of changing weather conditions.

• Choose seasonal food items. Preparing meals from tubers, grains, vegetables and fruits that are abundant in a particular season is relatively cheaper and easily accessible. Caution: choose fresh food items and avoid unwholesome foods to prevent food borne illness.
• Try new recipes with the food items that are in season. Always adopt a healthier cooking method.
• Consciously avoid a monotonous meal. Just a change in the vegetable, fruit, cereal, grain or the source of protein can increase dietary diversity and prevent nutrient deficiencies.
• Think about how you buy and dispose your food. Buy only what you need. Store leftovers in hygienic conditions so as to be safe to use later.
•  Abundance of a particular food does not mean over eating. Remember, eating in moderation promotes good health.
• Changes in the weather condition also increases the risk of infection like flu, common cold and other respiratory diseases. It is therefore important to maintain a robust immune system through adequate intake of fruits, vegetables and fluid.