Life is a continuous process of nourishment, both physically and mentally. Every individual consumes food, but the question remains: as economies grow and living standards rise, does nutrition keep pace? Not always. The relationship between balanced nutrition and a healthy lifestyle is crucial, and it's something we all must take seriously. Nutrition isn't just a personal choice—it's a societal concern that affects the well-being of the entire nation.
According to some statistics, the average height of Chinese people over 40 has surpassed that of the Japanese, but those under 40 are still shorter. This can be attributed to historical factors. After World War II, Japan faced severe food shortages, but as its economy recovered, it placed a strong emphasis on nutrition, leading to a more balanced diet and better health awareness among its population.
Economic growth doesn’t automatically mean better nutrition. In fact, malnutrition still causes more deaths than many infectious diseases combined. According to reports, poor health due to improper nutrition costs the economy over 30 billion yuan annually. This highlights the urgent need for greater awareness and education in nutrition.
One of the main reasons for malnutrition is a lack of knowledge and low nutritional awareness. Many people eat based on hunger or preference without realizing that eating is a science. They don’t consider the balance of nutrients or the long-term impact of their dietary choices.
Nutrition reflects a person’s cultural and intellectual development. How we use food to maintain our health depends largely on our understanding of nutrition. There are no inherently bad foods—only imbalanced diets. To promote better eating habits, the Ministry of Health introduced eight dietary guidelines for the public: first, a diverse range of foods with cereals as the main source; second, increased intake of vegetables and fruits; third, regular consumption of dairy and soy products; fourth, moderate amounts of fish, poultry, eggs, and lean meat, while limiting fatty and fried foods; fifth, controlling portion sizes to maintain a healthy weight; sixth, eating light meals with less salt; seventh, limiting alcohol consumption; and eighth, ensuring food is clean and safe to eat.
In addition, based on the dietary habits of the Chinese population, the Chinese Nutrition Society proposed a "food pyramid" for daily consumption. The base layer consists of grains, with 500 grams recommended per day for those with light physical activity. The second layer includes vegetables and fruits, with 400–500 grams of vegetables and 100–200 grams of fruit for most people. The third layer comprises animal-based foods like fish, meat, and eggs, with around 200 grams of fish, 50–100 grams of meat, and 20–50 grams of eggs. The fourth layer includes milk and dairy products, with an average of 250–500 ml per day. The top layer focuses on salt and sugar, with daily intake not exceeding 6 grams of salt and limited sugar consumption.
By paying attention to nutrition and making informed meal choices, we can all work towards a healthier future. Let’s take care of our bodies and make smart dietary decisions.