Nutrition messages based on results
Energy
Your intake of energy from your diet was more than you need. Frequently eating above your energy
needs can contribute to excess calories, which will be stored as body fat if it is not being used for
physical activities. Excessive body fat leads to blood pressure, stroke diabetes and even certain
cancers.
Energy in the foods we eat comes from three categories of nutrients - carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
Fat is the most concentrated source of energy. Gram for gram, fat (9 kcal/g) has more than twice the
energy of carbohydrate (4 kcal/g) or protein (4 kcal/g). Hence, foods high in fat are generally high in
calories. Alcohol also supplies more calories (7 kcal/g) than carbohydrate or protein.
Know your daily energy allowance, and balance the energy from the food you eat with the energy
your body uses for physical activities.
Total Fat
Your total fat intake was more than the recommended amount. A diet high in fat is associated with
overweight, high blood cholesterol, heart disease and other related health problems.
To reduce total fat in your diet, use less oil or fats when cooking and use fat spreads sparingly. Use
lean cuts of meat and poultry, and remove visible fat and skin. When eating out, ask for less fat or
oil in your food. As extras add up, make your food choices wisely. Choose reduced fat or skimmed
milk and dairy products instead of full cream varieties. Choose plain rice over flavoured rice, and
cut down on the use of sweetened condensed milk or creamers.
Saturated Fat
Your intake of saturated fat was higher that the recommended amount. An excess of saturated fat
can raise your blood cholesterol, subsequently increasing your risk of heart disease.
The main sources of fat in our diet are also the sources of saturated fat! These include coconut-milk
based foods, blended oil (usually used in commercial cooking), flavoured rice (e.g. chicken rice, nasi
lemak, nasi briyani) and creamer/whitener/condensed and evaporated milk in beverages. Cutting
down or limiting such sources of fat will also help to reduce saturated fat intake.
Sodium
Your sodium intake was greater than the recommended amounts. Sodium acts like a sponge, holding
water in our body. Excess sodium increases the blood volume, which then raises the pressure in our
blood vessels. Hypertension or high blood pressure increases the risk of stroke and heart attacks.
The main source of sodium in our diet comes from salt (sodium chloride) and sauces added during
cooking or at the table. To cut down on sodium intake, gradually reduce the use of salt and sauces
when preparing or cooking food so that your taste buds have the chance to adjust. Try flavouring
foods with natural seasonings like lemon juice or herbs and spices. Choose fresh food over
processed foods over processed foods and enjoy the natural taste of foods. When eating out, ask
for less sauces or gravy in dishes.
Cholesterol
Your intake of cholesterol was more than the recommended amount. Excessive cholesterol intake,
especially as part of a high fat diet, can increase blood cholesterol level and put you at risk of
heart diseases.
To cut down the intake of cholesterol, replace meat with beans, peas, lentils or bean products 3 times
a week. For healthy adults and adolescents, limit eggs to 4 per week. In recipes, try to replace part of
the use of whole eggs with just the egg white. Shellfish, prawns, shrimps, crabs, cuttlefish etc as well
as organ meats should be eaten no more than twice a week and in small portions.
Calcium
You were not getting enough calcium in your diet. Without adequate calcium, you may be at risk of
developing osteoporosis, a condition where your bones become weak and brittle. If left untreated, osteoporosis can worsen until a fracture (crack or break in the bone) occurs.
Increase your calcium intake from a variety of sources. Consume calcium-enriched breads and
biscuits, green leafy vegetables, calcium-fortified juices, high-calcium soya bean milk, ikan bilis,
sardines (with bones), tofu, as well as milk and other dairy products. Vitamin D helps our body
absorb calcium. Your body can make this vitamin after sunlight hits your skin. You can easily
obtain enough by getting at least 30-60 minutes of sunlight a day.
Aside from eating wisely, remember to make exercise a part of your life. Exercise helps to burn fat,
tone your muscles, improve your stamina, relax and sleep better, as well as keep you alert and study
better! Exercise at least 20 to 60 minutes, 3 to 5 times a week, until you sweat and breathe deeply
without getting breathless. Choose an exercise that you enjoy, and try a variety so that you don’t get
bored. Keep your exercise routine simple, fun and interesting.
When shopping for food, look out for products with the Healthier Choice Symbol. These products are
lower in total fat, saturated fat, sodium and/or dietary fibre content compared to other products in the
same category.
Note: The messages provided here are only intended as a guide - see a qualified health professional for more advice and information.
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