Redefining healthy living through wholesome diets

BY EMMANUEL AFONNE

In a world besieged with various food-related ailments, the importance of good nutrition cannot be overemphasised.

Dieticians say eating nutrient-dense food ranging from dietary bread and whole grains to legumes, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins is critical to healthy living.

In talking about good nutrition and healthy diet, bakeries have a crucial role to play.

According to nutrition experts, a dietary bakery creates baked goods for specific health needs, allergies, and dietary preferences by substituting traditional baking ingredients with alternative options to meet a variety of dietary requirements.

At the forefront of the advocacy for healthy living in Nigeria through diets is Eugenia Ndukwe, an accomplished entrepreneur, strategic management consultant, and diplomat.

Ndukwe’s work has spanned international partnerships, policy advisory and social impact.

A nutritionist, Mrs Felicia Eya, said that Ndukwe was revolutionalising nutrition in Nigeria through her venture into the food industry.

“As Chief Executive of XEM Group, a multi-sectoral firm with services in management consultancy, capacity building, project execution, monitoring and evaluation, construction, international trade, and partnership facilitation, she is raising the bar.

“True to her reputation as a serial entrepreneur, Ndukwe has now ventured into the food industry with the unveiling of 1951 Bakeries.

“Nestled in Abuja, the bakery is widely recognised as the first dietary bakery in Nigeria, a title that speaks to its unique mission: to redefine bread as not just food, but as a source of nourishment and energy.”

Eya said that the 1951 Bakeries was built on a simple yet powerful idea; that bread, one of the most common staples on Nigerian tables, should not compromise health.

According to her, each loaf is crafted with 100 per cent natural ingredients and designed to support better nutrition, energy, and wellbeing.

“From the hearty Fajita Bread, to the wholesome multigrains loaf, perfect for weight-conscious individuals, and the fiber-rich Diet Whole Wheat & Oatmeal Bread, the bakery’s offerings prove that healthy eating can also be delicious and satisfying.

“Their handcrafted recipes go a step further, delivering a guilt-free option for those mindful of their health, while still enjoying clean, nutrient-packed alternatives.

“With every slice, the bakery delivers on its promise of “Energy to do More”, inspiring customers to see its offerings not just as bread, but a vital source of daily energy, and a partner in achieving a healthier lifestyle.

“The name “1951” is a symbolic reminder of the bakery’s heritage, tradition, and the timeless value of authenticity from the ancient city of Bornu, while also carrying forward a 71-year baking legacy.

“Today, that legacy is being reimagined through a fresh commitment to dietary innovation, offering healthier options that align with modern lifestyles without compromising authenticity,” she said.

Ndukwe provided further insights on her venture.

She said that by combining innovation with a passion for wellness, the bakery was bridging the gap between tradition and modern dietary needs, proving that Nigerian food culture could embrace healthier options without losing its soul.

“Today, 1951 Bakeries with its variety of products which are NAFDAC and SON approved, stands as a beacon of change in Nigeria’s food landscape.

“As Nigerians increasingly embrace mindful eating, 1951 Farmhouse Bakery remains ahead of the curve leading a quiet revolution, one loaf at a time,” Ndukwe said. The quest to promote healthy living is also receiving Federal Government’s attention.

Recently, Dr Iziaq Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, said the Federal Government was committed to protecting Nigerians against excessive salt consumption and unhealthy diets that were linked to non-communicable diseases.

Salako spoke at unveiling of the National Guideline for Sodium Reduction.

“Today is a defining moment in our nation’s commitment to protect and enhance the health of every Nigerian.

“It is with great pride and solemn responsibility that we launch our National Guideline for Sodium Reduction, a carefully crafted framework that symbolises our collective determination to prevent the adverse health consequences of excessive sodium intake.

“As part of the global community, our country has witnessed the transformative power of urbanisation with our diets increasingly incorporating processed and packaged foods.

“These changes have created new challenges to our healthcare landscape and necessitate bold public health initiatives to safeguard our communities against silent threats—one of which is the elevated risk of cardiovascular diseases linked to high sodium consumption.