Fighting for the rights of citizens is a task not for the faint-hearted. You have to rub shoulders the wrong way with the government of the day.

Many people in the process have lost their lives and even left maimed in the course of duty.

Social justice is all about the fair distribution of resources despite the race, tribe, and region. Some countries have mean and stingy administrators who feel that their people need to “feel” that they are in power.

With such a mentality, they end up allocating more resources in their areas than others, since they can always circumnavigate around the law. 

The minority communities who aren’t well represented now come up in arms to fight for their rights.

Although the constitution cushions them against such; some take advantage and use executive powers to order special treatment for their people.

Human rights activists thrive in such cases. They understand the rule of law and use it to ensure the voice of the voiceless is heard.

Here are some of the activities that help them to achieve the objective

• Peaceful picketing
• Signing of petitions
• Facing legislators head-on
• Partnerships and associations
• Presenting concept papers at the local, national and international seminar and conferences
• Human rights walk
• Sensitization programs

Do you think it’s easy to ensure your voice is heard? It’s not all about being given a listening ear. 

Social justice professionals go an extra mile to ensure their grievances are factored in the constitution.

The primary reason for this is that the efforts they make need to last for generations to come. If they aren’t passed as law, the whole effort is an exercise in futility.

Moving around from one office to the other requires a physically-fit body. All these don’t come on a silver plate.

A lot goes on behind the scene to have those active human rights activists on the streets.

How many times have you heard of peaceful demonstrations that have turned to violent protests?

Remember, the recent US movement dubbed black lives matter. If you aren’t physically fit to take long walks, you better watch from home.

What is the right diet for Social justice professionals?

Health experts define the right diet containing all the three food categories- proteins, carbohydrates, and vitamins, including fruits and vegetables.

The right diet must be balanced to ensure you have that physical body swift and flexible enough to run errands associated with social justice programs.

Why do social justice professionals need a balanced diet?

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Keeps ailments at bay
• Promotes proper social, mental and emotional health
• Moisturises and nourishes the skin
• Support overall horizontal and vertical growth

The balanced diet

1. Must have plenty of fruits and vegetables

The list of fruits and vegetables may be long enough. Social justice experts should stick to them to replace unhealthy snacks.

The micro and macronutrients found in fruits and vegetables have specific functions ideal for these crucial people in society. Here is to mention but a few

• Citrus fruits: Helps to maintain the right body PH
• Avocado: provides the right fat for energy
• Carrots: essential to improving eye health
• Watermelon: Help to keep body cells hydrated

• Go for lean meat with unsaturated fat

If you love meat as a human rights personnel, then know that not all parts are healthy for you.

When you get to the grocery store, insist on lean meat with low and unsaturated fat. Even if you now choose to have a barbeque, you are sure that you are consuming the “right” fat.

There are many options for grills or smokers, depending on the meat of choice. However, a smoker and grill combination would be perfect choice.

It helps you to diversify your cooking method. Besides, as you fight for the minority group, consider safe and cost-effective energy sources while grilling. The combinations come with different options; you can use electric or gas grill or both.

In that case, if you prefer built-in gas grills, only then be sure that you live in an area with a constant supply of LPG.

• Stick to whole grains for fiber

A whole-grain meal is recommended for the high fiber content, which helps you to improve digestion.

You don’t want to meet who and who in the government trying to negotiate on some action for the sake of the voiceless, only to take breaks because of an indigestion problem.

Diet-rich foods help to improve cardiac health. What else can you ask for as social justice expertise?

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated

The only way to sustain the long walks and long sitting hours is to stay hydrated.

If you aren’t a fan of water then, look for a healthy liquid to replenish the water lost in the line of duty.

These could be fresh juices, healthy energy drinks, or fruits with high liquid content like watermelon and pineapples. 

 Hydration improves your performance and provides the necessary energy since the cells will have a perfect environment for its functions.

• Foods to avoid

If you are to run your work with ease as a human rights practitioner, then avoid the following foods

• Chips
• Sugary foods
• Processed snacks
• Soft drinks like sodas
• Sweetened breakfast grains
• Cakes and pastries

The ball is in your court. Your work as a humanitarian aid worker involves that you need to work on your physical body to minimize hospital visits due to poor eating habits: practice safe food handling and diet practices for emotional, social, mental, and physical health.