Wednesday January 18, 2012

‘88888’ rule to good health

By RAHIMY RAHIM
rahimyr@thestar.com.my

PUTRAJAYA: The Government wants the public to be “prosperous” in health this Chinese New Year by following the “88888” rule of living. <-manyakkkk ong ;)

Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the “88888” rules meant that they should avoid overindulging and practise healthy eating during this festive season when they were likely to be tempted by delicacies like yee sang and nian gao.

“The 88888' rules mean that you :
i) stop eating 80% before you are full,

ii) have dinner before 8pm,

iii) drink 8 glasses of water per day,

iv) sleep at least 8 hours and

v) walk at least 80,000 steps daily"

he told reporters at the launch of the Eat Healthy During Chinese New Year campaign here yesterday.

Malaysians, he added, should also insist on taking smaller portions and quantity of food during this holiday.

“If they continue to consume an extra 500kcal daily for a week, they will gain some half kilo to one kilo.

“It is easier if they control themselves from taking rich, calorie-laden food like peanut puffs. Five puffs are equivalent to 500kcal.

“It will take about an hour for an adult to burn 500kcal through cycling. By watching the exact amount of calorie intake, you will lose weight much faster,” he said.

Liow added that the Government was increasing its efforts in combating and reducing the number of cases relating to non-communicable diseases like obesity and diabetes.

“Factors contributing to obesity can be easily controlled by simply taking care of a person's diet,” he said.

Liow also said the public could get health and nutritional advice from the ministry's nutrition information centres nationwide.

“We have published booklets in Chinese, English and Bahasa Malaysia to promote healthy eating and an active lifestyle during the Chinese New Year celebration,” he added.