Dietitian, Dr. Susanna Comby has prescribed a healthy diet plan for students to provide them with the maximum nutrients needed for their peak cognitive performance.
She was speaking on the Eat Ghana Edition of Campus Exclusive as part of the show’s dedicated series to celebrate the Ghana Month of March.
The topic at hand was addressed at students’ failure to eat right on time due to the backlog of assignments, tests and quizzes that may be heavily packed on their schedule. Looking for the right food to eat as a student in the university of Ghana isn’t a problem as the several food joints on campus serve an array of palatable Ghanaian dishes.
A student’s eating habit is a crucial part of their life, as nutrients gained from food vitalizes the body and prepares the mind for learning and any other academic requirements.
In light of this, Dr. Comby drew out a diet plan that clearly defined the time periods essential for students to take in food on a daily basis.
“It’s essential to prioritize breakfast, aiming to finish it between 6:00 am and 8:30 am. Healthy snacks can be enjoyed between 10:00 am and 10:30 am or between 3:00 pm and 3:30 pm. Lunch should ideally be eaten between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm, while supper is best consumed from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm.”
With reference to the Ghana Health Service’s Four-Star diet plan, she reiterated the need for the various food groups to be incorporated into the everyday meals of students, citing some local Ghanaian dishes as the right choice.
“Regarding meal planning, the Ghana Health Service advocates for the Four-Star Diet, emphasizing a balanced intake of staples, legumes, fruits and vegetables, and animal protein. For example, a meal combination could include a kenkey with beans and oil, grinded pepper, and fish or eggs.”
The Four-Star Diet Plan, endorsed by the Ghana Health Service, emphasizes a balanced intake of four main food groups: staples, legumes, fruits and vegetables, and animal protein. This diet plan aims to promote overall health and well-being by ensuring individuals receive essential nutrients from diverse food sources. Staples like grains provide energy, legumes offer plant-based proteins, fruits and vegetables supply vitamins and minerals, and animal proteins contribute to muscle growth and repair. By following the Four-Star Diet Plan, individuals can maintain a balanced and nutritious diet, supporting their physical health and cognitive function.
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Story by: Esther Esenam Ofori | univers.ug.edu.gh
