Good health is a result of balanced diet, physical exercise and mental equilibrium. The Prophet Muhammed SAW was a perfect example of a man with good eating habits. He used to eat the following foods; milk, honey, meat and fruits. However, he did not recommend the consumption of meat twice in a day, or its continuous consumption for forty days. Muhammed SAW said that it makes the heart hard. How so true from recent proof. The Nabi SAW particularly favoured watermelons and dates, saying the coolness of one neutralises the hotness of the other. He recommended the breaking of one's fast with three dates.

Abdullah bn Mas'ud reported The NabiSAW as saying; Make use of two remedies: Honey and The Qur'an.

The Qur'an has given useful tips regarding balanced diet containing every ingredient necessary for growth, strength and repairs of body tissues. These include protein, fat, calcium and salts.

Variety and moderation are essential for good health. A balanced diet is not about foods you should avoid; it is about foods you choose to include in your diet. A healthy eating habit helps to contribute to your general well being. Below are some tips on healthy eating habits.

* Eat a wide variety of foods daily so that you can achieve a healthy and nutritionally balanced diet.

*Moderation means portion control. Most times we tend to eat oversized servings laden with fats, sugar and salt. Try to choose foods that are lower in fats especially saturated fats, cholesterol and sodium.

* Include fruits and vegetables in your meal more often. Consuming wholesome, nutritious foods such as fruits, beans, pulses and vegetables helps to supply you with more nutrients and goodness than processed foods.

MashaAllah, there are different fruits and vegetables that offer different colours, green, red, yellow, purple, etc. Colourful foods mean healthy food. The benefits of fruits as good nourishment is described in The Holy

Qur'an as follows;

"And of fruits of date-palm and grapes, whence ye derive strong drink and nourishment. Lo! Therein indeed a portent for people who have sense" (16:67)

* Take lots of fluids, water, juices etc, at least about six glasses of fluid daily.

* Avoid excess weight gain and to help you lose weight, avoid fatty, high calorie foods. Choose nutrient rich foods such as bread, rice, pulses and vegetables.

* Note, it is the nutritional content of your overall daily diet that counts and not what you eat in a single meal.

* The body has different needs and no single food can supply all the necessary vitamins and minerals, so it is important to include varieties.

*Having a well-planned meal will help you keep cravings under control.

* Once in a while, fast, and while getting your reward for the fast, you are doing your system some good of overhauling. Fasting is a good way of cleansing the body and getting rid of some diseases.

And MashaAllah BarakaAllah, while trying to balance our diets, we (the kitchen/cooking women) should always remember to pray for our men for their efforts, and for ease/Halal from Allah Ta'ala and most importantly, all should continue to thank Allah for the beautiful sustenance, His Ni'ima and
Rahmah.