Living on a small island like Dominica, it’s necessary to import certain foodstuffs from abroad. However re-education is necessary to encourage people, especially the youth to appreciate our local foods and make informed choices about their diet. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerritt have been advising Dominicans to help reduce food imports by consuming locally produced foods emphasizing the importance of supporting local producers to contribute to the economy of the nation. Maybe that’s one of the reasons why our cost on living is so high.
From a health standpoint the importance of consuming locally grown food and also has multiple benefits. It is important that we make natural food exciting and tempting for children and avoid offering them convenience snacks just to appease them in the short term. Unfortunately advertisements for ‘quick and easy’ snacks on cable TV and the increased availability of these items in our stores encourages people to turn away from vitamin-rich vegetables and natural fruits Dominica is blessed with.
Drinking natural juices or water rather than soft drinks will both have the effect of reducing national dependence on imports whilst also improving their health. Remember that Ma Pampo did not reach the age of 128 by eating French fries and drinking coca-cola! She attributed her longevity to a diet of natural foods and if any of us desire longevity, then we should follow her lead and do the same.
Being healthy is more than just the absence of disease – it is a feeling of complete vitality and wellness accompanied by high levels of energy and a radiance of joy. This is easily achievable through a natural diet of fresh vegetables and fruits all of which we have readily available to us here in Dominica. So for a longer, happier and healthier life enjoy the natural food grown and produced in Dominica!
Photo by:Jackol
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