In the last few decades, the average Nigerian lifestyle has dramatically changed. While we worked physically hard on the farm before, these days we are sitting in cars, offices, and in front of the TV or computer.

However, the food we eat hasn't changed to suit our new lifestyle.Below are some foods Nigerians consume in excess but may not be so great for your health.

1. Eba/ Pounded yam/ Fufu – In essence, this is just instant carbohydrates (carbs) and calories without any real nutrition. Eat plenty of this and see the increase in your waste line, your risk of diabetes and your life expectancy!

2. White rice – The brand new staple. It's had for many for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Similar to the eba, the carbs are basically promoting weight gain without much nutritional benefit.

3. White bread – This is a different load on carb. Eat it sparingly, and consider replacing it with brown bread or wheat.

4. Fried plantain – I know it's sweet but you know what's sweeter? Life!-Life! Instead, enjoy the cooked or roasted plantain equally to avoid increasing your cholesterol levels and your risk of dying from a heart attack.

5. Stew – Look at that oil all over! The more tasteful the stew, the more unhealthy it probably will be for you. It can also promote stomach ulcers and heart burning, in addition to potentially contributing to cholesterol issues. Avoid it having a good night of heartburn-free sleep.

6. Soft drinks – Hot day, what are you going to reach for? A cup of soft drink? How about instead reaching for the water? All that sugar is superfluous. You get useless carbs from the starchy foods which you eat anyway. Water hydrates you, helps you lose weight and lowers your risk of diseases such as kidney stones. Also it is cheaper than soft drinks, it is at least 'pure water.'

7. Salt and Pepper – Yes, they were a cool group of the 90s but you want to 'push it away' when it comes to your health. Salt increases your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease while pepper may increase the risk of ulcer in the stomach and cancer.

Remember the following general rules for a healthy diet.

Variety is good The more color the better moderation in all fish instead of meat where possible Limit portion size – 'no be farm you dey go work' Include fiber every day so you don't have a child birth experience whenever you go to the toilet.