Singapore has a high obesity rate, so the Health Promotion Board (HPB) is working tirelessly to change people’s eating habits toward healthier options.

The HPB has several initiatives designed to promote healthy eating and physical activity. These include cooking demonstrations, supermarket tours and food education programs.

1. Eat Fresh

Fresh food can be both delicious and nutritious, with many Singaporean dishes being packed full of both. But it’s essential to remember that if you want to achieve optimal health, it’s not enough just to eat well – you need to make the right decisions at each meal as well.

Maintain a healthy diet by including plenty of vegetables and whole grains in your meals. Doing this can reduce the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, obesity and cancer.

Additionally, you should monitor your sodium intake as too much salt can have detrimental effects on health. Experts suggest limiting daily sodium consumption to 2,300mg.

2. Bring Your Own Water Bottle

Maintaining a water bottle on hand is an effective way to stay hydrated. Not only does this save you money from buying costly drinks, but it also minimizes the amount of plastic waste being discarded.

If you plan to use your reusable bottle often, opt for one that will last. Insulated stainless steel bottles are great if you need to keep drinks cold for hours at a time.

You can get bottles that come with a straw, so you won’t have to worry about spilling any liquid. These are ideal for when you’re on-the-go or working out; just make sure your water bottle has a wide mouth that can easily be cleaned and does not have any pockets where mold could grow.

Reusable water bottles are becoming more and more commonplace as awareness of plastic pollution grows, providing a great alternative to single-use disposable bottles. Not only are they easy to clean and come in various styles and designs, but they’re also super convenient for everyday use – great for your commute or picnic basket!

3. Bring A Thermos

A Thermos is an ideal way to keep your lunch warm and ready when you arrive at work. Not only are they lightweight, but they come in various sizes to meet different needs.

For optimal performance from your thermos, it is essential to preheat it and tightly seal before filling with food. Doing this will help maintain the temperature near constant and extend the life of the Thermos.

It is also essential to pack your Thermos with a food flask meal that won’t attract bacteria. This is especially pertinent if you’re storing the Thermos at work or in your children’s backpacks.

Make the most of your Thermos by preheating it using boiling water. This should take five minutes, though you can leave it longer if needed. Once that’s done, fill with your child’s lunch and secure the lid tightly.

4. Stay Active

Singapore offers many opportunities to stay active and lead a healthy lifestyle. From the National Steps Challenge(tm) to MOVE IT programs, there are plenty of ways to get your daily dose of physical activity.

Research demonstrates the beneficial effects of staying active on your health. Not only does it prevent diseases from developing, but it also extends your life expectancy.

Singaporeans who take regular physical activities have seen an upward trend in recent years, as evidenced by the growth in their number on Singapore’s Sports Index – which tracks sport participation among citizens and permanent residents alike.

However, the lack of regular LTPA is a major public health concern in Singapore, especially among the elderly. Our study revealed that only two-fifths of adult Singaporeans over 50 regularly engage in LTPA.

This was largely due to older Singaporeans leading more sedentary lives than their younger counterparts. This may have been due to job duties making them more prone to sitting down at work and the prevalence of screen time reducing opportunities for physical activity.