Healthy Living with Dr. Cherifa Aboul Fettouh

More than ever before, well-being and health are all the ranting trends these days. Various patterns like paleo and keto diets, detoxing, gluten-free, plant-based foods, all-natural products and intermittent fasting are part of the ever-growing checklist of rituals to keep up with. With all the methods being suggested, we recognize the need for a legit specialist and credible source to get back to. Meet Dr. Cherifa Aboul Fettouh, author, inclusive nutritionist and founder of one of Egypt’s most distinguished health groundwork – Envision Foundation, the first Egyptian NGO for cancer and nutrition research. She is also the founder of Nutrition Planet, which aims to raise nutrition awareness globally while highlighting the theory of healthy foods and its role in combating diseases.

Why did you pursue a career in the nutrition field?

Twenty-five years ago, before even starting my career, I was mostly perplexed by the ignorance as well as the misinformation regarding the perception people have of their food. I was curious and wanted to know more about the mechanism of the whole process. I sat down with my father who happens to be a urologist himself, and he then encouraged me to take on the study of medical nutrition to help raise awareness and aid kidney and liver transplant patients, so I took it from there. I started working in hospitals, assisting patients to get all set and ready before having surgery and in their recovery process afterwards.

What interests you most about health and nutrition?

The fact that what you get into your body/system can define not only your body mass and weight but also your risk conditions for every disease state. The food you eat is associated with your health whether on a physical or mental level. That’s why nutrition became my ultimate passion. I know that it has an impact on every living being on the planet and previously, it wasn’t as popular as it is nowadays. The magnitude and impact it has on the well-being of society is what keeps me interested and hooked the most.

What is some common advice you give for weight loss or staying in shape?

The key here is to know your body and manage your expectations. Inquiring a patient’s overall knowledge of weight-loss can determine if they have a strong general foundation from which they can function. It can be a good start to present the notion of your nutritional scheme to set up the aspirant for a potential guiding transformation apart from their former lifestyle. Some easy tips I like to recommend are to cut off sugar as much as you can, lower carbohydrates intake, avoid skipping important meals and do simple exercises daily; all while taking their medical status into consideration, of course.

Do you see a shift happening in public perception of nutrition?

There is no doubt that there’s an exponential increase in the level of awareness of nutrition. However, this increase comes with too many commercial ideologies that are not very true. Some common misperceptions go back to people visualising healthy food as overpriced and difficult to access. They usually refer to fast food instead of proper accessible food, and the media doesn’t always work best for the benefits of public health.

What are some of the most effective methods you have encountered when it comes to helping clients make necessary life choices?

Years into this industry, I am sure to say that changing how a person thinks about food and lifestyle is what works the best. My to-go methodology is straightforward education, which focuses on showcasing how change can be easy with small steps towards whichever goals they want to achieve. It all comes down to their will as well as persistence, and they find my support along the way.

During quarantine, how can one manage to overcome stress eating and reduce anxiety?

As boredom takes hold of the entire nation, people are seeking their fridges and pantries simply out of boredom. They usually find comfort and satisfaction in eating their stress away, which typically involves a lot of carbohydrates and sugars. What I would advise is to find comfort elsewhere, eat to fulfill your appetite without losing track of your health. It’s better to plate up some balanced servings of protein, vegetables and healthy carbs ahead. These are the most important times to maintain good health and boost up your immune system as much as possible.

Any practical tips to boost the immune system during the pandemic?

Keep yourself well-hydrated, eat raw vegetables, fruits and a balanced diet (proteins and complex carbohydrates). These are the foundations of good health.

I would also highly recommend eating:

• Berries, broccoli and oranges for Vitamin C
• Eggs and mushrooms for Vitamin D
• Nuts and beans for Zinc
• Milk, cheese and eggs for protein
• Beans and bananas for prebiotics
• Kale and carrots for beta carotene

What is your favorite snack?

Dark chocolate and nuts are my absolute favorites.

By: Nadine Mustafa