Choosing foods and preparing nutritionally balanced meals for the family.

Social Issues – This was the topic of an online discussion organized by the Hanoi Women's Newspaper on the afternoon of December 24th. Practical information on how to choose safe food and build optimally balanced meals for the family was answered by experts.

Maintaining family meals is a way to preserve happiness.

On the afternoon of December 24th, the Hanoi Women's Newspaper, in collaboration with Acecook Vietnam Joint Stock Company, organized an online discussion on the topic "Choosing Food and Nutritionally Balanced Meals for the Family" to help female members and readers gain knowledge about taking care of their own and their families' health, and learn how to choose food and meals that are nutritionally adequate.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Le Quynh Trang, Editor-in-Chief of the Hanoi Women's Newspaper, stated that in traditional Vietnamese culture, the family meal is an indispensable part of each person's growth, nurturing both their physical and spiritual well-being. The family meal contributes to strengthening loving bonds and shaping family traditions within each household. In traditional society, the family meal is also where children are taught manners such as "respecting elders and loving children," and "eating mindfully and sitting respectfully"—regarding the behavior of family members.

In modern society, with increasing work pressure and social demands, family meals are becoming less common. This also leads to a weakening of relationships between family members. Maintaining and cherishing family meals is a way to preserve happiness, warmth, and family traditions, respecting and preserving Vietnamese cultural values.

Furthermore, modern life, industrial food, processed food, and fast food are dominating family meals and becoming a popular trend among young people. This has led to a significant increase in the rates of overweight, obesity, and diabetes among Vietnamese people, especially children. The consequences of being overweight or obese include the development of diabetes, dyslipidemia, and cardiovascular diseases.

Ms. Le Quynh Trang, Editor-in-Chief of Hanoi Women's Newspaper, spoke at the online exchange session.

"Choosing the right foods and preparing nutritionally balanced meals for the family is a matter of great concern for everyone. The goal is to make cooking family meals not just a woman's responsibility, but also a source of enjoyment for men, and a responsible sharing of family members through favorite, nutritious dishes. This is the aim of the online exchange organized by the newspaper," said Ms. Quynh Trang.

Speaking at the program, Ms. Tran Thi Minh Nguyet, Head of the Family and Social Affairs Department of the Hanoi Women's Union, said that nowadays, men have gradually changed and are participating more in household chores and meal preparation with their wives. However, women still play the primary role in preparing meals for the family. Raising awareness in food selection and arranging nutritious meals will contribute to strengthening the bonds of love among family members.

To raise awareness of food safety and guide female members in choosing safe food, the Hanoi Women's Union has implemented many activities in recent times, such as cooking competitions like "Delicious Family Dishes" and "Warm and Loving Family Meals"... These activities involve family members such as husbands, children, and men to foster family bonding.

In addition, the Women's Union at all levels has directed the implementation of models in food hygiene and safety such as: Women's branches implementing behavioral changes in food hygiene and safety; saying no to unsafe food; guiding women on how to choose clean food; providing useful addresses for buying clean, safe, and healthy fruits and vegetables. Currently, we have nearly 1,600 models in districts and counties throughout the city...

The food safety situation remains a serious concern, therefore, she believes that everyone should be wise and intelligent in consuming products that are safe for their health.

Things to keep in mind when choosing food and balancing nutrition in meals.

During the online exchange, leading nutrition experts shared with female members and readers a wealth of knowledge on how to choose the right foods when preparing family meals; and how to create quality family meals with nutritious dishes made from clean, safe ingredients.

Experts shared a wealth of knowledge on selecting and preparing food correctly and in a balanced way when creating family meals.

According to Dr. Chu Thi Tuyet, Head of the Nutrition Department at Huu Nghi Hospital, a healthy meal with healthy foods and appropriate preparation provides essential nutrients for a healthy body and supports a more active immune system. A healthy body requires a balance between energy intake and energy expenditure. A good diet requires reasonable eating habits, suitable for the individual, and a balanced and varied diet.

The nutrients we consume shouldn't just include protein, meat, and fish, but also fiber. Fiber nourishes the gut microbiome, beneficial bacteria, controls blood sugar, and regulates blood lipids. For individuals without underlying medical conditions, 400g of vegetables per day is needed, while those with diabetes or high cholesterol should consume 500-600g of vegetables per day.

Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Lam – former Deputy Director of the National Institute of Nutrition – stated that to have a healthy meal, we need to pay attention to the selection and preparation of food. According to the expert, we It is necessary to choose clean, safe food, and prepare it in a balanced way with carbohydrates, protein, and enough green vegetables and ripe fruits. The National Institute of Nutrition has a nutritional pyramid for different age groups, from children, primary school students, teenagers, and the elderly... which can be applied to each person daily. For example, an adult should eat 3-4 servings of vegetables and ripe fruits, a variety of protein sources such as meat, fish, dairy, tofu, and 2-3 types of vegetables per meal.

The way food is prepared also depends on age. Children with higher needs can eat fried foods in moderation, while the elderly should limit fried foods and eat more boiled and steamed dishes to reduce trans fats found in fried foods and prevent diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. For simple dishes like instant noodles, choose ready-made products that meet food safety standards and eat them with green vegetables and protein for a balanced diet.

Dr. Do Nam Khanh – Member of the Standing Committee - Head of the Community Connection and Development Committee of the Vietnam Community Health Education Association, answered questions during the Q&A session at the program.

Sharing at the exchange session, Dr. Do Nam Khanh – Member of the Standing Committee and Head of the Community Connection and Development Committee of the Vietnam Community Health Education Association – also emphasized that in Traditional Chinese Medicine, a balanced diet is necessary. Balance here means a balance between quantity and quality; between grains (foodstuffs), livestock (meat and fish), a balance of vegetables, a balance of fruits, and a balance of yin and yang (cold and hot properties)…

Furthermore, mental state is crucial. When people are relaxed, digestion and the functioning of all internal organs improve. Prolonged stress and anxiety lead to stagnation of qi and blood, negatively impacting health. Along with this, increased physical activity is necessary; a sedentary lifestyle leads to poor bowel motility.

Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/lua-chon-thuc-pham-bua-an-can-bang-dinh-duong-cho-gia-dinh-172241224171817742.htm