Unhealthy eating habits are one of the major reasons why people have become vulnerable to the lifestyle diseases and many other severe illnesses as well. Not just the usual diseases but human beings are now fighting dangerous viruses like the COVID-19 that has been declared a global pandemic. Noted yoga instructor Dr Hansaji Yogendra talks about the importance of saying 'no' to these five food habits to lead a healthy life.

Avoid stale food

Most people prefer cooking and storing food for a few days. However, they do not realize that eating old foods can distress the digestive process. This lowers the immunity power of the body and may lead to vomiting, dysentery, and fever. The nutrients in cooked food are lost after 24 hours. So, the food that has been cooked and stored for days should be strictly avoided.

Instant cooking

Amid hectic schedules and busy lifestyles, most people do not have the time to cook fresh food. So, they often rely on gadgets like the microwave oven to cook or reheat food.

However, the healthy fibres in the food are lost when they are cooked or reheated in microwave. Usually, milk or other liquid foods could be heated in microwave oven as the nutrients in them aren't lost. But it is better to avoid microwave ovens to reheat food items.

Packaged food

Junk food or bakery snacks have now become common items in the daily menu of many people. These packaged foods are loaded with harmful preservatives and other additives. Many people prefer buying such processed or frozen food and reheat them as they do not have the time to cook or are too lazy for it. These packaged or processed foods could cause many serious illnesses.

Processed sugar, salt and all purpose flour

Bread with jam or butter is one of the most popular breakfast items that require just seconds to put together on a plate. However, the all-purpose flour and sugar in these items do not provide the energy that is required for the body to function properly.

These days, wheat bread is becoming popular as the healthy variant of the loaf. However, not many know that these breads contain just 20% wheat in them. The rest is the same old all-purpose flour. The breakfast is the main meal of the day as most of it gets absorbed into the body. The body doesn't receive its essential nutrients if such unhealthy foods are eaten for breakfast. You could replace processed sugar with rock candies if you are someone who loves sweets. Black salt and Himalayan rock salt could be used instead of your regular iodized salt. You could develop a safe and healthy lifestyle by turning to such harmless and healthy ingredients.

Say 'no' to beverages

Alcohol consumption has become a social menace which leads to physical and mental diseases. Addiction to alcohol may lead to depression and poor social relations. Similarly, there are many who gulp down too many teas and coffees in a day. Such beverages need to be consumed in limited amount to maintain general well being.

Just like eating the right foods, it is vital to avoid certain foods to remain healthy and fit. Try to eat only when you are hungry. Some people eat uncontrollably when they are tensed or are under distress. However, in such situations the hormones may not function properly and this may lead to loss of energy. Moreover, this could make you sick as well. So, it is better to have a refreshing glass of lemon juice and relax when you are really upset or disturbed.

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Avoid these 5 food habits to stay fit and healthy - Onmanorama