Getting active is way more than adding years to your life, it’s about adding life to your years.
You see, when the word active is mentioned, a lot of people think of the younger generation. That notion should be changed. It involves the elderly too- especially those over 50 years of age because this is the point when the real state of one’s health begins to show. This is also the point where the lifestyle choices you made in your 20’s and 30’s begin to manifest.
If you’re within this age range, is it too late to begin to get active? Absolutely not! Just like planting a tree, the next best time is now and there’s someone who can inspire you to move. Someone who is over 50 and is still kicking. Let’s introduce you to Daba Omoregbee a.k.a Madam Zesty. Her active and healthy lifestyle attracted Ibiene’s attention. In this conversation, she tells us about herself, her journey to living a healthy lifestyle, she also gives a recipé for a healthy meal.
Daba: My name is Daba Omoregbee from Bonny Island in Rivers state. I was born in London UK in the 60s but grew up in the garden city of Port Harcourt. I attended nursery, primary, secondary and college in PH. I love the city of my youth. In 1995 I moved to London to seek greener pastures, in my heart it was to find myself and my path.
Over the years I have struggled with my weight but I always had a passion for exercise because I watched my mother manage her weight with food and exercise (She was a golfer). Over the years I realised food + exercise = weight loss and thus added those into my lifestyle. I am vain as I always want to look nice in clothes, to feel and look nice to me was achievable by exercise and eating well but over the years it became no longer only for “looking good” but more for my health and longevity.
Ibiene: What is your philosophy in life?
Daba: Life is too short and one should live their best life unapologetically and own their truth. Growing up I watched my grandmother and mother eat and exercise to be healthy. My grandmother died at 94. Prior to her death, I never saw her sick and my mother is the same way. I remember when I turned 16 my mother encouraged me to try out a Jane Fonda exercise video and I have never looked back. I did fall on the wayside for some years but I have been active since I was 25 years old. I love the way I feel when I exercise and eat well, and I am always researching and finding new ways to keep me healthy and sane.
Ibiene: Everything about your instagram handle preaches weight loss and healthy diet. What prompted that passion?
Daba: As I always say weight loss is a benefit of exercise and eating well but there are also other benefits to living a healthier lifestyle. You have move energy, relieves you from aches and pains, good skin, good mental health, less likely to suffer from lifestyle illnesses like diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, cancer and there is longevity.
Ibiene: There is a notion that a healthy diet is expensive and hard to sustain. Given the current economic realities how can one eat healthy without breaking the bank?
Daba: Yes it can be expensive but it doesn’t have to be because our local fruits and vegetables are there for you to eat and stay healthy. Most of the foods and vegetables grown in Nigeria are inexpensive and can be used to eat a healthy diet. I normally cook quick healthy meals that will not break the bank. My income has been low during Covid time but I have managed to keep my food health, without breaking the bank.
Ibiene: Can you give us one healthy day’s diet recipe?
Daba: Quick meal Serves 2
Ingredients needed:
Efo or shoko small bunch.
1 medium sized onions.
2 medium sized tomatoes.
Pepper optional.
I small sweet potato.
½ smoked mackerel.
2 tablespoon of groundnut oil.
½ knob of grated fresh Ginger.
1 teaspoon of grind Black pepper.
Method: Slightly stir fry onion, pepper and tomatoes for 10 minutes add cubed sweet potatoes and cook for 5 minutes. Added mackerel (pieced up) and stir in for 5 minutes add ginger with black pepper with a pinch of salt (no salt if you have HBP) stir and add the greens and cook for 7 minutes.
Ibiene: Your online footprint shows you are proudly African. In the face of global influence, how can Africans sustain their legacy?
Daba: Keep telling their stories and teaching our history in schools for our children to understand and appreciate our culture. Be proud of your heritage through the books you read, the clothes you wear and take the voice of Africa everywhere you go.
Do you have any question or comment for Daba Omoregbee? Do share in the comment section below.
