The minister noted that it is important to understand why we eat. A growing body requires frequent meals, while after the age of 45, metabolism slows down and the need for larger amounts of food decreases. "We are used to three meals a day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—but these are imposed norms. In reality, we should eat as hunger arises," he added.
Checheybaev also pointed out that the population values high-quality flour. "But what is high-quality flour? It is a product devoid of vitamins, containing only starch and calories. If you do not expend these calories, they accumulate in the body and lead to excess weight, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes," he warned.
The minister mentioned that dietary traditions based on old proverbs were formed in conditions of physical activity, which is almost absent in the modern world, especially in cities. "Now we need not carbohydrates, but proteins: meat, dairy products, vegetables, and fruits," he added.
As for his personal diet, Checheybaev reported that he has not eaten bread and flour products for almost 15 years. He eats one or two times a day: "In the morning I drink coffee, at 11-12 o'clock I eat one egg, and for dinner—vegetables and a little meat. When visiting, I only taste meat and beshbarmak, but do not eat them completely. I have enough energy," the minister noted.
He also emphasizes the importance of physical activity and love for nature: "I often hike in the mountains, and it gives me good mood and health. Healthy things like sunshine and clean air are available to everyone," Checheybaev concluded.
