Who doesn’t love to eat? Of course, most of us do. However, depending on the choices we make, food can be harmful or health-boosting. Even in our fast-paced age of electronic push-buttons and instant results, we must accept the fact that certain aspects of life cannot be condensed into a pill or a click of a mouse. Preparing nutritious meals is a necessary part of living if we expect to enjoy good health. And come to think about it: what is more fun, cooking up a scrumptious pot of soup, or spending time in hospital surgery and rehab units in pain?

Much has been written in this column about the importance of eating a healthy diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, beans, whole grains and beneficial fats. This includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. An important component of a healthy eating strategy is the avoidance of eating two large meals per day (lunch and dinner). Consuming two main meals daily is a prescription for overeating, with all its detrimental consequences. One of the two should consist of lighter fare. The role of such a meal cannot be overstated.