National Nutrition Week 2023

Blog Credit: Priyanka Rana

National Nutrition Week: How Women can Ensure their Midlife Wellness or How can women be fit in their 30s or 40s only by improvement in their Diet

Every year, from 1-7 September, National Nutrition Week (NNW) is commemorated to raise public awareness of the importance of nutrition. The cornerstone that determines a person’s entire well-being is adequate nutrition since it helps people maintain their health status and experience normal growth and development.

Every person should acquire mindful eating habits in order to live a healthy lifestyle and avoid diseases. While a bad diet may increase the risk of sickness and morbidity, a balanced and diverse diet enhances quality of life.

The Food and Nutrition Board, a division of the Indian government’s Ministry of Women and Child Development, organises NNW every year. National Nutrition Week was started in 1975 by the American Dietetic Association (ADA), now known as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

How to ensure women’s midlife wellness?

This National Nutrition Week 2023, observed every year between September 1-7, we highlight the need for prioritising nutrition needs in midlife wellness.

Women of all ages must focus on healthy, active lifestyles that involve healthy nutrition and exercising regularly. This becomes even more important in middle age because of the hormonal changes that impact metabolism and the natural loss of muscle mass in the body that occurs with age. “Women in this age group should focus on resistance-based training, such as lifting weights or bodyweight exercises, to promote muscle growth. A leaner body composition leads to a more toned physical appearance and improved ability to do the activities associated with daily living, such as lifting groceries, taking the stairs and other physical tasks,” elucidated Samantha Clayton, vice-president, sports performance and fitness, Herbalife.

Protein is an essential macronutrient that plays a crucial role in the overall health and well-being of the human body. It is even more essential for women, who require adequate protein consumption to support various physiological processes, such as muscle development, bone health, and hormone regulation.

Prioritising iron-rich foods like spinach, beans, and lentils can address potential risks of anaemia. “At the same time, calcium from dairy or green leafy vegetables can improve bone health during potential osteoporotic phases,” said Dr Ushakiran Sisodia, registered dietician and clinical nutritionist, Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mumbai.

According to Dr Sisodia, it’s necessary to incorporate soy and flaxseeds in the diet to prepare for menopausal symptoms.

Healthy ageing for the bones and brain is also supported by regular exercise. “Most importantly, women need to exercise, be it a daily walks or morning yoga sessions. Yoga and meditation can help in improving mental well-being, which is essential in managing mood swings or midlife stress. With balanced nutrition and consistent exercise, women can create a protective lifestyle to manage the possible hurdles of midlife,” said Dr Sisodia.

When women exercise and have ample protein in their diet, it can help ensure they burn excess calories while working on their muscle growth. “Protein is the key whether you are trying to gain muscle, lose weight, or improve immunity,” added Clayton.

Blog By: Priyanka Rana