Stay Fit, Enjoy Nasi Lemak

In 2011, the Ministry of Health announced that Nasi Lemak was to be sold only twice a week, due to the rising case of obesity in the country. The debate on whether it is healthy to eat ‘Malaysia’s National Dish’ everyday emerged due to its effect on health. Fast forward to this year, the dish has redeemed itself as TIME Magazine has named Nasi Lemak as one of the healthy international breakfasts as it is deemed ‘healthier’ compared with sugar-soaked cereals, juice, or bacon-egg-and-cheeses which possibly lead to a lifetime of cholesterol issues.

While it is still debatable that the combination of coconut milk, rice, anchovies, cucumbers, roasted peanuts, hard boiled egg and sambal is healthy or not, let’s enjoy Nasi Lemak without the guilt with these tips:

1. Despite how the spicy sambal can help increase metabolism and burn fat, exercise is still the best option. Exercise at least five times a week, 30 minutes per session.
   PS: Don’t push to the extreme at first, start slow and gradually increase the intensity.
    
2. Take fewer portions and more meals per day. Having said that, more meals doesn’t mean you can continuously eat the whole day. You should have two to three hours intervals between each meal.
   PS: Try cutting your rice portion into half.
    
3. Drink lotsssssssssssss of water or have some green tea when you feel like taking sugary drinks. Check the links for the calories contained in different sugary drinks and the healthier alternatives.
   PS: Cut down the carbonated drinks can reduce the “unseen” calorie intake, ie: the sugar.

Not sure how many calories you need per day? Here’s the famous Harris Benedict Equation to help you calculate. You are welcome. ;)