Oh, load shedding, how frustrating you are. Turning out the lights and cursing the night is so last year. South Africans suffer from these blackouts every week, and now the effects are being felt in our homes. Does load shedding pose a health risk? Get ready to be shocked by the truth.
The Unexpected Cause of Weight Loss
Do you recall the upswing in home cooking that occurred during the Covid lockdowns? There appears to have been a sea change from healthy eating to fast food and unhealthy habits as a result of load shedding. Yes, you read that correctly; power outages may be adding extra pounds to our frames.
Experts’ Worst Fears Exposed
Registered dietitian and ADSA (Association of Dietetics in South Africa) spokesman Zitandile Mfono bemoans:
“It’s unfortunate that frequent power outages have reversed the previously encouraging trend towards home cooking. Putting nutritious, home-cooked meals on the table for their families is difficult enough for working parents without having to deal with power outages right when they return home from the office.
The rising popularity of fast food is raising concerns among medical experts, and it’s not simply because of the time savings it provides. The nation cannot afford an increase in the prevalence of obesity and Type 2 diabetes if its population begins to consume more foods that are heavy in fat, salt, and sugar.”
Cost to Your Wallet Goes Beyond Calories
The rising popularity of takeaway dinners has repercussions beyond your waistline. Because of the power outages, however, eating in more often entails a larger monthly food bill.
How to Maintain a Healthy Diet While Shedding Extra Kilos
Spend Money on a Cheap Gas Stove Back-up
Chanelle Retief, who is both a Registered Dietitian and a Registered Dietitian, suggests getting a two-burner gas stove top. It heats up faster than an electric stove, so you don’t have to wait as long or use as much electricity to cook. Especially helpful when the power goes off.
Eat More Meals That Consist Mainly of Salads
You can now consider salads to be your BFF. Easily prepare delicious meals with no cooking by adding protein such as canned tuna, lentils, or leftover pork. You can still maintain your diet even if the power goes out.
Planning Ahead and in Detail
The key to success is careful meal preparation. Plan your activities around the load-shedding schedule and only purchase what you can use. There will be no more hasty, impromptu choices.
When Ordering Takeaways, Pick Healthier Options
To-go options don’t have to be unhealthy. Aim for the plate model’s 50 percent vegetables, 25 percent whole grains, and 10 percent lean proteins. Avoid ordering anything deep-fried or “creamy,” and never go for the “upsize” or “buy one, get one free” deals.
Be Conscious of the Rise in Food Waste
Use everything in your fridge before it goes bad to cut down on food waste. You may reduce your expenses and help the planet at the same time by making more eco-friendly purchasing decisions.
The lights won’t go off during load shedding. It’s about how it impacts our regular lives, our health, and our finances. However, with forethought, organisation, and a few clever kitchen tricks, a healthy lifestyle may be maintained even without light. Let’s make some nourishing lemonade out of the lemons of load shedding.
About The Author:
ade Nkomo is a seasoned fitness and wellness journalist based in South Africa. With her expertise in physical health and passion for yoga and pilates, Jade translates complex fitness concepts into engaging, relatable content.
