Meal advice for newly-weds

Over a century ago, research by epidemiologist, William Farr, indicated that the institution of marriage was good for health, suggesting that unmarried people succumb to diseases more readily than their married counterparts. The current body of research on the health benefits of marriage is large and is not as black and white as Farr's study.

Some very interesting research was carried out by the husband-and-wife team Glaser and Kiecolt-Glaser of Ohio State University College of Medicine. Their focus was on the effect of psychological stress on the immune system. Their many experiments have concluded that situations in marriage, such as domestic strife and unresolved conflicts cause a compromised immune system, resulting in, for example, slower wound healing. The take-home message is - yes, the health benefits of marriage are great if we foster good relationships.

Lower stress

Some issues that can cause stress in marriage relate to economics and food. Here is some advice to help newly-weds maintain the food budget and bolster their immune system by lowering stress.

Respect each other's likes and dislikes in food.

Forget the comparison. Husbands do not compare your wife's cooking with your mother's or wife, your husband's to your father, the great chef.

Make meal times together special and frequent.

Food can be a vehicle of ill- health as well as good health, learn this early.

Show appreciation for the effort invested in meal preparation, especially if the partner preparing the meal also works outside the home.

Be frugal from day one. You can create magic with economical foods which are tasty and healthy.

Freeze foods when you have a glut on the market. Freeze fruits to make desserts and beverages later, green peas and beans for soups and stews later, vegetables and seasoning such as scallion. Money saved means less squabbles over the budget.

Learn about each other's health concerns and those that run in the family. Get on the ball from day one to preserve each other's health.

Life is not black and white. Allow treats and guilty pleasures in food. This should not be harmful if done once in a while.

Healthy habits developed early in the marriage will be useful when children are added to the family, minimising occasions for blaming each other for children's bad eating habits.

A healthy pasttime is starting a vegetable and/or herb garden. This can be done in a container, raised bed or in the earth in the front or backyard. This is great exercise and together time.

Rosalee M. Brown is a registered dietitian/nutritionist who operates Integrated Nutrition and Health Services; email: yourhealth@gleanerjm.com.