As the Nigerian economy continues to face rapid downturn with prices of staple foodstuff and other things Nigerians use from day to day skyrocketing, GEORGE OKOJIE examines some innovative ways families and individuals are trying to pull through the economic recession and stay healthy.
When the famous ancient Greek philosopher Plato said necessity is the mother of invention, he merely stated the obvious. In human history it has been discovered that when the need for something becomes essential for survival, human-mind finds a way of getting it.
Thus, improved dietary habits being cultivated by some dietary giants in Nigeria to help people to survive the biting effects of current recession in the country and stay healthy is being applauded by nutritionists.
As hunger pervades the land, the stark reality in the country is that not many people can afford to buy the right amounts and qualities of food items and cooking ingredients they need to buy now, use and eat.
Worst still, the current situation has resulted in non-payment of salaries, wages, pensions and gratuities in addition to prohibitive and sky-rocketing prices of goods.
According to nutritionists, availability of money in public health matters does not readily translate to improvement in what people eat and feed.
As far as they are concerned many people are ignorant and do not know what we eat; how to eat them and what their bodies need in their right quantities
The good news is that some food giants are coming up with innovative ways of enriching meals affordably and staying healthy always.
In driving more nourishment for Nigerians through its ‘Pecadomo’ – Peak can do more, WAMCO Nigeria Plc had since rolled out its culinary diversity, enlightening people on more ways to stay nourished using their Peak milk for four or more dishes.
The diary company pointed out, “Eggs are usually enjoyed during breakfast in many Nigerian homes because of its high nutritional value. In this regard, the first dish prepared was ‘Peak Scrambled Egg’ which was made with eggs, black pepper, salt, margarine and Peak milk.
“The resulting dish was a creamier and more nutritious scrambled egg which can be served with bread. Peak milk also worked well in the omelet dish giving the omelet a unique colour, aroma and flavor. The residents/on lookers who volunteered to be part of the taste session attested to this.”
In the same vein, the Peak Oat pancake is now being prepared with blended oats, eggs, nutmeg, sugar, butter, salt and Peak evaporated milk to make it creamier and tastier, even as it is said to contain high fibre which is excellent for people who desire to lose weight.
It is also common now and days to see chef prepare the popular Peak milk rice which was plain white rice boiled in milk and water served with chicken stew.
A Lagos resident Gabriel Ekeson said before the advent of pecadomo innovation he had wondered why staple foods have remained the same ever since.
He said such concerns triggered what he needed to activate something in his wife who lectured him on a new trend in the kitchens of the young Nigerian mums called ‘pecadomo’.
One of the mums said, “Young mums have embraced the use of Peak Milk beyond the traditional bread and tea, and Peak Milk can now be used to prepare traditional foods like eba, semo, amala, pounded yam, among others.
“They are usually busy mums between ages 25-45. They are health-conscious, upwardly-mobile, and since they know that a family’s health is the mother’s scorecard, they do everything to keep their family healthy and happy.
“Pecadomo is a great strategy of meeting the nutritional needs of every family member as critical nutrients are situated at every gastronomic touch points’.
“Yeah it is about being a good mother to my kids and great wife to my hubby. It is the right thing to do in this age where we hardly have time for decent meals’. She nailed it.
“I was impressed at the innovation and the quality of thinking behind pecadomo. This means that innovation is not only about creating apps or inventing drones, but also adding values to little things that matter in our lives.
“However to innovate, there is need for stronger body and sharper mind; and Peak Milk comes to rescue in enhancing the mental and physical performances of consumers.”
Another mother and house wife Christiana Odozie said the Peak scrambled egg is very tasty and nice, saying,” it is highly nutritious I will have to be adding Peak milk to my eggs from now on especially when I am preparing it for her children. It is good to try to live a healthy life, especially now that things are difficult in the country.”
For Mrs. Mabel Ayeni who also shared her experience of the Pecadomo innovation she said though she have been making smoothies for many years but Banana and Peak Smoothie makes made the difference and hope to make it often for her family.
Another regular consumer of Peak milk, Mr. Tony Emeka said,” I normally use peak milk for my tea because i trusted the Peak brand but I am surprised that they are bringing fresh ideas of how Peak milk can give more value to meals . I have eaten the Smoothie and pancake made with it and it was nutritious and nice too.”