Nestlé South Africa hosts breakfast to address health myths
PARKTOWN – Tackling obesity was hot on the agenda at a Nestle South Africa breakfast that incorporated simple exercises that anyone can do.
As a large proportion of the South African public battle with excessive obesity, perhaps the highest in sub-Saharan Africa, Nestlé South Africa hosted a breakfast session at Emoyeni Estates in Parktown as a way of giving useful tips on how to make simple changes to reach peak physical fitness goals.
Naazneen Khan, nutrition, health and wellness manager at Nestle South Africa said the aim was to effect a change in the way that consumers perceive and approach health concerns.
She said a lot of nutrition ‘clutter’ exists, especially since nutrition information changes constantly. “The whole idea is to start helping South Africans make informed decisions about their choices of healthy eating,” said Khan.
“Over and above that, it’s not news that South Africa is the fattest nation in sub-Saharan Africa. This is substantiated by some recent studies conducted in 2012/13. Subsequent studies speak to the burgeoning waistlines of South Africans.”
Khan added that among the reasons for this, is that people don’t understand what they should be eating in addition to not understanding their health. “We’re in a little bit of denial. I think we don’t realise the state of our health and also, we’re not a homogeneous population. There are so many confounding factors that affect the different areas that we live in.”
A fun and interactive session to demonstrate how one can get moving anywhere and at any time was also held. Health instructor and wellness coach at Corescape Pilates, Bernadene Jonathan provided a 15-minute session that teaches simple desk, car seat and home-based exercises without going to the gym.
She told the Gazette that individuals need not subscribe to the age-old gym membership stereotype. “People always think you need a gym membership. You don’t need a gym membership to be active,” said Jonathan. “The important part is that you move and not sit in front of the desk the whole day without getting up to stretch your neck or shoulders.
“People can incorporate [certain exercises] in their daily routine without necessarily making it an extra thing they can do while brushing their teeth, making a cup of coffee in the morning or even at a meeting or after a meeting.
“Instead of sitting at a restaurant for a meeting and having coffee, go for a walk in the park while discussing ideas about what you’re going to pitch or whatever it may be.”
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