Everyyear, May 15 is observed as International Day of Families. It celebrates theimportance of families and aims to raise awareness of issues relating tofamilies. The pandemic has put a pause on one's family's daily routine and hasleft many families with no option but to stay home.
Schoolshave been closed, workplaces shut, and many parents and caretakers are homewith their families. Keeping this in mind, the theme this year for the day hasbeen kept as what the impact of new technologies has been on the well-being offamilies.
Onthe account of International Day of Families, we need to contribute to betterhealth and well-being for our families and ourselves and take charge ofeveryone's health by incorporating small yet impactful changes to ourlifestyle. A good way to start this is by making informed food choices andsnacking right. Nuts like almonds are a source of 15 nutrients such as vitaminE, magnesium, protein, riboflavin, zinc, etc.
LeadingBollywood actress Soha Ali Khan said, "There is little doubt that thecoronavirus pandemic has affected every aspect of our lives. No one knows howlong this is going to last, but, as a mother, it's important for me to protectand improve my family's health”.
“Thefirst thing I would recommend is to start including healthy foods such asalmonds to your own and your family's daily diet. Beyond adding a host ofnutrients to the diet, daily almond consumption may also help support immunityas they are high in copper and are a source of zinc, folate and iron”.
Almondsare also high in Vitamin E, which acts as an anti-oxidant to support pulmonaryimmune function. Vitamin E is also known to offer protection against infectionscaused by viruses and bacteria. Besides this, in these grim times, it isimperative for the family to stick together and provide physical, emotional andmental support to one another. Even a small gesture like having one meal a daytogether as a family, while sharing with each other highlights from school,college or work is a great way to stay connected and aid in each other'swell-being."
Addingto this, Ritika Samaddar, Regional Head -- Dietetics, Max Healthcare -- Delhi,said, "Through the last year, it has been the families who have faced thebrunt of the crisis, sheltering their members from harm, caring for childrenand at the same time continuing work responsibilities. Families need to eatnutritiously and be physically active. A small yet impactful change would be toomit all unhealthy snacks from your and your family's diet. To ensure this, youcan plan on upturning your pantry, and replacing any unwholesome options withhealthy foods like almonds."
Accordingto Madhuri Ruia, Pilates Expert and Diet and Nutrition Consultant, "Ibelieve families need to treat their health as a priority -- partners, parentsand children included. A family should strive and work together to care for oneanother -- health-wise and nutrition-wise. For parents with a hectic workschedule and a family to look after, eating right should be a priority. You canrely on almonds as a great option to promote family wellness”.
Sheadded, “Research indicates that almonds can help maintain healthy blood sugarlevels and may lower the blood sugar impact of carbohydrate foods eaten in thesame meal, which can be important for those with and without diabetes. Keep ahandful of almonds around so that everyone always has a healthy snackhandy."
SheelaKrishnaswamy, Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, "It is important forevery family member, old or young, to take stock of their health amid today'sbusy lifestyle. A convenient yet healthy thing that can be done is to addalmonds to the family's daily diet. This will have a positive impact, asresearch shows that almonds can help in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels,an important consideration given the rising incidence of type 2 diabetes inIndia."
FitnessExpert and Celebrity Master Instructor, Yasmin Karachiwala, says her family'shealth has always been a priority for her.
"Nomatter how busy our lives get, compromising on fitness and a healthy lifestyleis never an option. Especially with our children, with restrictions in place,their outdoor activities are on hold and snacking on processed, or oily food isat an all-time high. The consumption of this type of food can have side effectson their weight and growth in the long run. As parents, it's important for usto keep an eye out on our child's daily diet. Nuts such as almonds are a greatreplacement for unhealthy snacks as they may have satiating properties thatpromote feelings of fullness, which will help keep your kid full in betweenmeals and limit their outreach for fried, unhealthy snacks."
ThisInternational Day of Families, celebrate the joy of togetherness while taking apledge to be healthier.