You Are What You Eat So Eat Right
Reaching your weight goal is simply a matter of burning more
calories than you take in. However, that can be very difficult
when you want to see overall body health improvement as well as
weight loss. Good nutrition skills are a must in this case.
Proper nutrition can help to reduce your risk of a variety of
health problems including heart disease and cancer. This,
however, entails eating many different foods, watching your
consumption of some food and beverage items, and counting
calories. Good diets offer balanced nutrition that reduces
cholesterol, blood pressure, and aids in weight loss.
To function properly, your body must have the correct
combination of nutrients. Carbohydrates are one nutrient your
body requires. They are the primary source of ammunition in your
diet. The body uses them to build glucose which can be used
immediately or stored in your body for later. Too much glucose,
though, is stored as fat. There are both simple and complex
types of carbohydrates. Sugars are simple carbohydrates.
Starches and fibers are complex carbohydrates. Proteins are
another important nutrient. Proteins help your body build and
fix muscles and other tissues. They also function in the
creation of hormones. Like carbohydrates, excess protein is
stored as fat.
Animal and vegetable proteins are the two major types. Too much
animal protein, though, can cause high cholesterol, as it is
high in saturated fat. Odd as it may sound; fat is another
nutrient your body requires. It comes in both saturated and
unsaturated forms. Saturated fat puts you at risk of health
problems. Unsaturated fat is healthy, but if it goes through any
type of refinement process, it can become saturated fat.
Vitamins are also required nutrients. Different vitamins perform
different tasks within the body. They can work with the
metabolism to help with energy levels for any task you can think
of that you need your body to perform. It has also been noted
that certain vitamins can prevent disease.
For example, vitamins A, C, and E, also called antioxidants, can
assist with the prevention of coronary artery disease by keeping
build up from occurring on artery walls. Vitamin B-1 is needed
for digestion and proper nervous system function. Vitamin B-2 is
needed for normal cell growth. Vitamin B-3 helps to detoxify
your body. Folic acid assists with production of red blood
cells. Vitamin D assists with the absorption of calcium. Vitamin
K helps your blood clot. Minerals and trace elements are another
nutrient your body requires. Both are used in all sorts of
different body processes. Minerals like chlorine help make your
digestive juices. Phosphorus helps build strong bones. Both can
be found in the foods we consume, but with a trace element, your
body just needs a tiny amount. Salt is one final nutrient your
body requires. You should not consume more than 2400 milligrams
per day, though, as it might raise your blood pressure.
You should follow several guidelines to create a well balanced,
nutritional diet. First, try to consume two and one half cups of
vegetables and two cups of fruit each day. When making your
selections for each day, be sure to choose a good variety.
Select from all five vegetable subgroups at least four times per
week. You should eat at least three ounces of whole grain
products each day. At least half of your grain intake should be
whole grain based. Milk should also be part of a healthy diet.
Consume at least forty-eight ounces of low fat milk or milk
products on a daily basis. Your total fat intake should only be
between ten and thirty percent of your calories. Most of the
fats you consume should be in the form of unsaturated fats, as
saturated fats can do much to damage your health. Meat, poultry,
dry beans, and milk or milk products should all be lean,
low-fat, or fat-free. Less than ten percent of your calories
should come from saturated fats, and you should always try to
avoid trans-fatty acid. Fiber-rich fruits, vegetables and whole
grains should be a regular part of your diet as should potassium
rich foods. Alcoholic beverages should only be consumed in
moderation.
The basis of a healthy diet is excellent nutrition.