At the recent Women’s Month Wellness event, our Editor-In-Chief, Nontando Mposo had an opportunity to have a chat with Nestlé’s nutrition, health, and wellness manager Anne-Marié De Beer. The conversation delved into wellness, nutrition, and tips on maintaining a healthier diet.
Read on for a recap of their enlightening conversation, and Anne-Marié’s valuable insights and expert advice.
Can you tell us about your journey that led you to become a Registered Dietitian?
In matric I picked up a pamphlet on dietetics in the career guidance class…And I thought “This looks interesting”. 33 years later, I have not regretted my decision to become a registered dietitian.
What inspired you to specialize in Nutrition, Health, and Wellness within the corporate sector at Nestlé?
Dietetics is such a wide field. Being in the food industry gives you enormous scope to really be effective. Within dietetics we do not only learn and talk about nutrition and diets, we also have input into food manufacturing and food science. Being in the Nutrition, Health and Wellness space also gives us a say into product development as well as being able to place that product within a balanced diet for the consumers.
What are some of the most significant changes you’ve observed in the field of nutrition over the past three decades?
We have seen a tremendous increase in people being overweight or obese amongst citizens of this beautiful country of ours. Over 60% of women are either overweight or obese, and more than 13% of children under the age of five years suffer from being overweight or obese.
Males are not excluded from the obesity pandemic, with almost 40% of males being overweight or obese. This is however not the end of the story. We also continue to see high rates of chronic malnutrition, resulting in kids being too short for their age. They may look healthy, but retarded growth impacts on their brain development, academic performance and the GDP of a country.
Lastly, we also have hidden hunger – these are micro-nutrient deficiencies affecting large proportions of our society. Iron deficiency affect both women and children, while zinc deficiency affects approximately 45% of children younger than nine. Additionally, almost 44% of children exhibit Vitamin A deficiency. So, this triple burden of disease is growing and placing enormous strain on our health systems and economy.
How do you define wellness, and why is it an essential component of nutrition and health?
Wellness is a holistic approach to health that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It involves deliberate decisions that balance several elements like nutrition, exercise, rest, mental clarity, and emotional resilience to live a healthier, more satisfying life.
This is why wellness is a key focus of the Nestlé Good For You strategy, which aims to empower consumers to make informed, balanced dietary choices through products that promote overall well-being. Wellness emphasizes a healthy lifestyle rather than only treating symptoms or short-term objectives. A healthy, nutritious diet is essential to overall wellbeing because it gives the body the nutrients it needs to perform at its best, sustain energy levels, and preserve general health.
How does Nestlé prioritize nutrition and wellness in its product development?
Nestlé prioritizes nutrition and wellness in its product development by promoting products of high nutritional quality. Where possible we fortify (with micronutrients) products such as Nespray, MAGGI Two-minute Noodles etc. We ensure the products fit within a balanced lifestyle by providing very clear guidance on usage and portion control.
What are some practical strategies you recommend for individuals looking to improve their overall wellness through diet?
To enhance overall wellness through diet, consumers should incorporate a variety of vegetables and fruit into their meals, such as green beans, spinach, and carrots, which provide essential nutrients like fiber, Vitamin A, folate, and potassium. Embracing a colourful plate daily helps prevent micronutrient deficiencies and keeps mealtimes exciting.
Paying attention to portion sizes and including healthy snacks between meals can help maintain energy levels. Additionally, incorporating dairy products like milk into the daily diet provides vital nutrients such as calcium and vitamin D.
Some practical strategies include ensuring consumers understand ingredients of the products they consume, helping them make informed choices, which is a critical focus in our strategy at Nestlé. We aim to empower consumers to make informed choices that support responsible, balanced lifestyles.
What common misconceptions do you encounter about healthy eating, and how do you address them?
Common misconceptions about healthy eating often include the beliefs that all fats are bad, healthy eating is too expensive, and that eating healthy means sacrificing taste.
● Fats: Not all fats are harmful. Healthy fats, such as those found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil, are essential for overall health. We emphasize the importance of choosing unsaturated fats over saturated and trans fats. Keeping in mind that any fat that is solid at room temperature is a saturated fat – this includes coconut oil.
● Cost: Healthy eating does not have to be expensive. We advocate for planning meals around affordable, nutritious staples like seasonal vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, and suggest cost-effective strategies such as buying in bulk or using frozen produce. Planning goes a long way in ensuring that healthy eating is affordable.
● Taste: Eating healthy does not mean sacrificing flavour. We highlight that nutritious meals can be delicious by using a variety of herbs, spices, and cooking methods to enhance taste without compromising health benefits. Take for example the MAGGI Two-minute Noodles that are fortified with iron. You can always enjoy them with some vegetables and lean meat to make it a filling, and a balanced meal.
Can you suggest simple changes that our guests can make in their diets to enhance their nutritional intake?
● Increase Vegetable Intake: Add a variety of vegetables to every meal. Try incorporating greens like spinach, and broccoli, as well as colourful options like bell peppers, carrots, beetroot and brinjals to name but a few.
● Choose Whole Grains and Lean Proteins: Opt for whole grains instead of refined grains by swapping white bread and pasta for whole grain versions and choosing brown rice or quinoa over white rice. Complement this with lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, tofu, or legumes, which help build and repair tissues while supporting overall health. Try the meat free Monday!
● Watch Portion Sizes: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid overeating. Use smaller plates and listen to your body’s hunger cues to help manage portions effectively. Always read the label of products that you buy and look for the recommended serving size.
● Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Herbal teas and water-rich fruits and vegetables like cucumbers and watermelon also contribute to hydration.
● Snack Smartly: Replace sugary snacks with healthier options like fresh fruit, nuts, or yoghurt. However, occasional indulgences like Nestlé’s KitKat and Bar One can also be enjoyed in moderation. Always adhere to the recommended serving size, such as two fingers of Nestlé’s KitKat, to keep within the right calorie amount and maintain a balanced diet. Remember to work the indulgences off by being physically active.
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