Diet is a word that most women, and many men, are familiar with. A popular joke among my women friends is that “diet” is “die” with a “t”. People all over the world spend millions of dollars every year to have people tell them how to lose weight, how to be healthy, what foods to eat, but all they really need is to have access to accurate nutritional information. With the proper nutritional information, you’ll never have to fall victim to diet scams again.
Nutritional information can be found all over the internet, but choosing where you get your information is important. Whether you are getting information on the internet or from books and magazines, you should always take into consideration where the information is coming from. There are some very popular “doctors” in the media that have never obtained a medical degree. It is important to remember that anyone can publish on the internet, but it doesn’t mean that the information that they are publishing has any valid accreditation. Sites that have “.org”, “.gov”, or “.edu” in their address hold the highest probability of being accurate.
Once you’ve found a source that you consider trustworthy, you can begin to gather nutritional information that can help you lose weight, feel better in your day to day activities, and sleep better at night. Putting that nutritional information to use can improve your mood and general outlook.
Some of the nutritional information that you may want to look for includes Dietary Reference Intakes that can help you plan and assess your diet. The Food Pyramid, or in Canada, the Canadian Food Guide are other simple and easy to understand tools that can guide you to healthier eating. These guides have been in place for a long time and there are reasons that the American and Canadian governments promote their use. The research that has gone into developing them has been ongoing and the empirical results of these studies are valuable. Any information that contradicts these guides should be questioned.
As your knowledge of nutritional information builds, you’ll find that there is no longer a need for the word “diet” in your vocabulary. Applying the information to your life on a regular basis can become a habit and you’ll no longer need to think about how many calories this food item has or how many minutes (or hours!) you’ll need to spend walking on the treadmill to work off that burger with the kill-me-now-sized fries that you had for lunch. You’ll know that the piece of chocolate cake you ate at grandma’s house on the weekend is not the end of the world because you’ve been applying good nutritional information to your daily eating habits. Isn’t that alone worth spending a little time to find good information?
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Low Carb Cooking
Low carb cooking may seem like a real challenge but once you lay a foundation you are well on your way to a carbohydrate-controlled diet. There are a handful of things to consider and there are a few tips and tricks to take with you to the kitchen. After adopting some of the steps to low carb cooking it will become second nature.
The first thing that you want to do is consider your overall health. You really might be tempted to adopt low carb cooking approaches that use a lot of high-fat ingredients but this may work against your efforts. You also may be tempted to cut out carbohydrates entirely but this is not a good idea, either.
It is never good practice to completely cut out a food that is so prevalent on the food pyramid. Part of incorporating low carb cooking into your lifestyle on a long term basis is to remember that there are good carbohydrates that your body needs in order to get enough nutrition and fiber.
However, if you are on a mission to lose weight fast, then you can adopt low carb cooking that keeps carbohydrate intake at a minimum. This includes cutting out some vegetables like corn, peas and carrots. These vegetables are loaded with natural sugars as well as carbohydrates.
Great recipes include chicken parmesan. Just skip the breading and serve it without pasta. Stir fries that use a number of different vegetables, shrimp, beef and chicken are wonderful options and they can be really satisfying. Hankering for some lasagna? Low carb cooking can include a dish like this. Replace the pasta with thin layers of zucchini. You will be surprised by how good it is.
Once you have used low carb cooking that cuts out nearly all carbohydrates for two weeks, you really want to start adding some good carbohydrates into the mix. This may be a little difficult considering that you are used to preparing meals without using many of the ingredients that you will be adding.
You can start using some pasta in your lasagna and chicken parmesan. Choose whole grain pastas instead of the regular fair. Also, check your portions, too when working with low carb cooking recipes. It is easy to over indulge on good carbohydrates especially if you have been missing this type of food in your diet.
Low carb cooking at home can be a chore but you do have a lot of great options. Once you start adding some good carbohydrates into the mix, your options will seem endless.
The first thing that you want to do is consider your overall health. You really might be tempted to adopt low carb cooking approaches that use a lot of high-fat ingredients but this may work against your efforts. You also may be tempted to cut out carbohydrates entirely but this is not a good idea, either.
It is never good practice to completely cut out a food that is so prevalent on the food pyramid. Part of incorporating low carb cooking into your lifestyle on a long term basis is to remember that there are good carbohydrates that your body needs in order to get enough nutrition and fiber.
However, if you are on a mission to lose weight fast, then you can adopt low carb cooking that keeps carbohydrate intake at a minimum. This includes cutting out some vegetables like corn, peas and carrots. These vegetables are loaded with natural sugars as well as carbohydrates.
Great recipes include chicken parmesan. Just skip the breading and serve it without pasta. Stir fries that use a number of different vegetables, shrimp, beef and chicken are wonderful options and they can be really satisfying. Hankering for some lasagna? Low carb cooking can include a dish like this. Replace the pasta with thin layers of zucchini. You will be surprised by how good it is.
Once you have used low carb cooking that cuts out nearly all carbohydrates for two weeks, you really want to start adding some good carbohydrates into the mix. This may be a little difficult considering that you are used to preparing meals without using many of the ingredients that you will be adding.
You can start using some pasta in your lasagna and chicken parmesan. Choose whole grain pastas instead of the regular fair. Also, check your portions, too when working with low carb cooking recipes. It is easy to over indulge on good carbohydrates especially if you have been missing this type of food in your diet.
Low carb cooking at home can be a chore but you do have a lot of great options. Once you start adding some good carbohydrates into the mix, your options will seem endless.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Prevent Hair Loss Through Nutrition
Hair loss is common with aging, but it can also occur due to a poor diet. Losing hair is a vanity issue that can affect self-esteem. Finding a treatment for hair loss that actually works is difficult-- truth is, it’s easier to prevent hair loss than to try to regrow hair that has fallen out.
Malnutrition and not getting enough of your daily vitamins in your diet can cause hair loss. Poor eating habits cause baldness and while hair loss is hereditary, it can be prevented or lessened to some extent. Feed your body what it needs and your hair will benefit.
Prevent Hair Loss Through Nutrition
Your diet plays a big role in your overall health and does affect hair loss. The best practice is to eat right to prevent hair loss rather than search for a treatment after you’ve started losing it.
Tips for Eating to Prevent Hair Loss
· Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and healthy fats.
· Increase your intake of dark leafy vegetables.
· Avoid fad diets and quick weight loss plans.
· Eat super foods like broccoli and berries that are packed with vitamins and nutrients.
· Drink plenty of water.
· Avoid overcooking vegetables because it robs them of their nutrients.
Vitamins for Hair Loss
Vitamins are essential for a healthy body, inside and out. Whether your goal is to prevent hair loss or to enhance the growth of new hair, vitamins play a key role in hair health.
Most of the vitamins your hair needs can be attained through a healthy diet. Some vitamins that are especially helpful for hair loss are:
· Biotin: found in brown rice, green peas, lentils, oats, seeds, and walnuts.
· Inositol: found in raisins, nuts, wheat germ, brown rice, bananas, and liver to promote hair growth.
· Vitamins B-6 and B-12: found in peas, carrots, soy, bran, nuts, and eggs.
· Vitamin A: found in carrots, spinach, flax seed oil, and walnuts.
· Copper: found in nuts, cereal, potatoes, vegetables and meat.
· Iron: found in fish, liver, cereal, and almond to avoid anemia.
· Iodine: found in salt, seafood, vegetables, meat and eggs.
· Protein: found in beef, pork, poultry, peanut butter, and eggs.
· Silica: found in sprouts, potato skins, peppers and cucumbers.
· Folic acid: found in leafy vegetables, wheat, sprouts, nuts, and poultry.
· Vitamin E: Found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil.
· Vitamin C: found in fruits and vegetables to increase the absorption of iron and increase blood flow to the hair follicles on the scalp.
A diet lacking any of these essential vitamins can sometimes be seen as hair loss. Having a healthy balance of foods that include these vitamins will keep your hair shiny, strong and full. Proper nutrition and vitamins will prevent rapid hair loss and slow the aging process.
Malnutrition and not getting enough of your daily vitamins in your diet can cause hair loss. Poor eating habits cause baldness and while hair loss is hereditary, it can be prevented or lessened to some extent. Feed your body what it needs and your hair will benefit.
Prevent Hair Loss Through Nutrition
Your diet plays a big role in your overall health and does affect hair loss. The best practice is to eat right to prevent hair loss rather than search for a treatment after you’ve started losing it.
Tips for Eating to Prevent Hair Loss
· Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and healthy fats.
· Increase your intake of dark leafy vegetables.
· Avoid fad diets and quick weight loss plans.
· Eat super foods like broccoli and berries that are packed with vitamins and nutrients.
· Drink plenty of water.
· Avoid overcooking vegetables because it robs them of their nutrients.
Vitamins for Hair Loss
Vitamins are essential for a healthy body, inside and out. Whether your goal is to prevent hair loss or to enhance the growth of new hair, vitamins play a key role in hair health.
Most of the vitamins your hair needs can be attained through a healthy diet. Some vitamins that are especially helpful for hair loss are:
· Biotin: found in brown rice, green peas, lentils, oats, seeds, and walnuts.
· Inositol: found in raisins, nuts, wheat germ, brown rice, bananas, and liver to promote hair growth.
· Vitamins B-6 and B-12: found in peas, carrots, soy, bran, nuts, and eggs.
· Vitamin A: found in carrots, spinach, flax seed oil, and walnuts.
· Copper: found in nuts, cereal, potatoes, vegetables and meat.
· Iron: found in fish, liver, cereal, and almond to avoid anemia.
· Iodine: found in salt, seafood, vegetables, meat and eggs.
· Protein: found in beef, pork, poultry, peanut butter, and eggs.
· Silica: found in sprouts, potato skins, peppers and cucumbers.
· Folic acid: found in leafy vegetables, wheat, sprouts, nuts, and poultry.
· Vitamin E: Found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil.
· Vitamin C: found in fruits and vegetables to increase the absorption of iron and increase blood flow to the hair follicles on the scalp.
A diet lacking any of these essential vitamins can sometimes be seen as hair loss. Having a healthy balance of foods that include these vitamins will keep your hair shiny, strong and full. Proper nutrition and vitamins will prevent rapid hair loss and slow the aging process.
Useful Vitamin Nutrition
Quality vitamin nutrition is essential in maintaining proper health and preventing disease. Vitamins control specific body processes such as cell renewal, immune function, and bone strengthening. Although food can provide much of our nutritional needs, regular meals contain only part of the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of most vitamins. Vitamin supplements are a great way to obtain quality vitamin nutrition while maintaining a balanced diet.
There are different types of vitamin supplements available, but not all of them may work for you. To make sure you get quality vitamin nutrition from supplements, consult your doctor to find out which nutrients you need based on your diet, lifestyle, and overall health. Here are some common types of supplements and their benefits.
1. Multivitamins
Multivitamins contain several vitamins and minerals in a single dose. They are ideal for people on strict diets (such as diabetics and weight watchers) because food restrictions often prevent them from getting quality vitamin nutrition.
Some vitamins and minerals are not designed to work together and should not be combined in a supplement. When choosing multivitamins, look for one that is formulated by a reputable laboratory or scientist to make sure the nutrients are in the right proportion.
2. Single vitamins
Single vitamins are ideal for those with specific deficiencies. There are individual supplements for all vitamin groups, each with their own benefits. The most common are the following:
Vitamin A.
Vitamin A enhances vision, promotes cell renewal, and aids in bone growth.
Vitamin B-complex.
There are different types of B-complex vitamins. Common vitmain B supplements include vitamin B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), and B9 (folic acid).
Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant – it destroys free radicals that damage the cells and make us prone to disease.
Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential to bone formation and strengthening. Lack of vitamin D in children can cause rickets, or softening of the bones resulting in skeletal deformities.
Vitamin E.
Vitamin E is also an antioxidant. It helps prevent aging symptoms and protects the skin from ultraviolet damage.
3. Herbal supplements
Some people prefer herbal supplements because they are easier to absorb and gentler on the digestive system. They are obtained from plant extracts and contain little to no chemicals, so there is also less risk of side effects. When choosing herbal vitamins, look for wild-crafted or organic products because they are less likely to contain pesticides and harmful chemicals.
IMPORTANT: Additives in some vitamin supplements can interfere with quality vitamin nutrition and may even be harmful to your health. Choose only products that are GMP-compliant to make sure your supplements are safe and reliable. Avoid those that contain artificial additives like food colors and flavors.
There are different types of vitamin supplements available, but not all of them may work for you. To make sure you get quality vitamin nutrition from supplements, consult your doctor to find out which nutrients you need based on your diet, lifestyle, and overall health. Here are some common types of supplements and their benefits.
1. Multivitamins
Multivitamins contain several vitamins and minerals in a single dose. They are ideal for people on strict diets (such as diabetics and weight watchers) because food restrictions often prevent them from getting quality vitamin nutrition.
Some vitamins and minerals are not designed to work together and should not be combined in a supplement. When choosing multivitamins, look for one that is formulated by a reputable laboratory or scientist to make sure the nutrients are in the right proportion.
2. Single vitamins
Single vitamins are ideal for those with specific deficiencies. There are individual supplements for all vitamin groups, each with their own benefits. The most common are the following:
Vitamin A.
Vitamin A enhances vision, promotes cell renewal, and aids in bone growth.
Vitamin B-complex.
There are different types of B-complex vitamins. Common vitmain B supplements include vitamin B1 (thiamine), B3 (niacin), and B9 (folic acid).
Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant – it destroys free radicals that damage the cells and make us prone to disease.
Vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential to bone formation and strengthening. Lack of vitamin D in children can cause rickets, or softening of the bones resulting in skeletal deformities.
Vitamin E.
Vitamin E is also an antioxidant. It helps prevent aging symptoms and protects the skin from ultraviolet damage.
3. Herbal supplements
Some people prefer herbal supplements because they are easier to absorb and gentler on the digestive system. They are obtained from plant extracts and contain little to no chemicals, so there is also less risk of side effects. When choosing herbal vitamins, look for wild-crafted or organic products because they are less likely to contain pesticides and harmful chemicals.
IMPORTANT: Additives in some vitamin supplements can interfere with quality vitamin nutrition and may even be harmful to your health. Choose only products that are GMP-compliant to make sure your supplements are safe and reliable. Avoid those that contain artificial additives like food colors and flavors.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Nutritional Facts Abouts Foods For Children
Whether you are trying to lose some weight, wanting a healthier lifestyle, or trying to encourage your children to eat healthier foods, you should learn where to find nutritional facts about the foods you are bringing into your home. These facts can often be confusing, and at times, companies like it this way. The less you understand about what you are eating, the less likely you are to pass on their product. Some foods are full of sugars and preservatives, and they don’t want you to know about it.
Your basic understanding of nutritional facts can begin in your own home. Go through your cupboards and pull out a variety of products you have recently purchased. Sit down and read though some of the labels. Chances are good that you can’t identify at least 75% of what you are reading. Sugar is often labeled as high fructose corn syrup, which can be the worst type of sugar you can ingest. You may be left wondering why this is needed in a loaf of bread.
Because nutritional facts are so complicated, you should take some time to research each ingredient online. When you do this, you will find out what each thing is, and why it is used in a product. You may find some things should be avoided, and you can make a mental note to buy products that do not contain that ingredient. When you look into the nutritional facts about each item, you will soon begin to decide what you want to buy for your family, and what you wish to leave on the store shelf.
If you are at a loss about where to begin, look online for healthy recipes. These should come with the nutritional facts. Search for recipes you may like, and ones that have good nutritional value. This is a great starting point for healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle, and you may all find yourselves feel better, and wanting to eat right all the time.
If you want to start vitamins for you and your children, remember that not all vitamins are as good for you as they claim. You want to do careful research into the nutritional facts provided on the side of the package. There is no use in taking something that only offers a small amount of your daily recommended allowance if you can take a vitamin that gives you more. Of all the nutritional facts you look into, this may be the most important thing to investigate.
Your basic understanding of nutritional facts can begin in your own home. Go through your cupboards and pull out a variety of products you have recently purchased. Sit down and read though some of the labels. Chances are good that you can’t identify at least 75% of what you are reading. Sugar is often labeled as high fructose corn syrup, which can be the worst type of sugar you can ingest. You may be left wondering why this is needed in a loaf of bread.
Because nutritional facts are so complicated, you should take some time to research each ingredient online. When you do this, you will find out what each thing is, and why it is used in a product. You may find some things should be avoided, and you can make a mental note to buy products that do not contain that ingredient. When you look into the nutritional facts about each item, you will soon begin to decide what you want to buy for your family, and what you wish to leave on the store shelf.
If you are at a loss about where to begin, look online for healthy recipes. These should come with the nutritional facts. Search for recipes you may like, and ones that have good nutritional value. This is a great starting point for healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle, and you may all find yourselves feel better, and wanting to eat right all the time.
If you want to start vitamins for you and your children, remember that not all vitamins are as good for you as they claim. You want to do careful research into the nutritional facts provided on the side of the package. There is no use in taking something that only offers a small amount of your daily recommended allowance if you can take a vitamin that gives you more. Of all the nutritional facts you look into, this may be the most important thing to investigate.
Good Eating Habits With Nutritional Diets
Most families have a hard time trying to figure out what they should be eating and what might be skipped. The problem is that most of the nutritional information out there is too hard for someone to understand. This, along with the need to save time, makes many family susceptible to making the wrong choices when it comes to food. If you see the numbers of harried moms in the drive thru line at your local fast food joint, you know what I mean. They know it’s not right, but they may have no idea how bad it really is for their children.
You should always know the nutritional information about anything you are eating. If you eat often at a certain restaurant, you should look online to see if you can find out more about what you like to have. You might be shocked to see the calories and fat grams in a simple fast food hamburger. The same hamburger made at home will probably have half of what that one has. It is partially about ingredients, and it is also a bit about how they prepare the meals. Many of these places have been put under pressure to release nutritional information, and this is making some more aware of what they are eating.
The same can be said for the foods that we buy in the grocery store. Many of the things listed with nutritional information is not what it might seem. You can see the word “juice” on a bottle of drinks, but you don’t know if that is really juice until you have read the nutritional information on the back of the bottle. Many times you can pick up these bottles to find that they only contain about ten percent fruit juice, and the rest of it is water and sugar. This is not what you want to see when you are looking for real juice.
Nutritional information is very important when you are dieting, or when there may be foods that are bothering your children. There are many preservatives that are questionable in nature, and there are some that believe these might contribute to some strange behaviors in kids. I don’t know if this is true or not, but you don’t know what is in something until you learn to decipher nutritional information. You may find some common things online, and it is a good idea to study up so you know what you are buying the next time you go to the store.
You should always know the nutritional information about anything you are eating. If you eat often at a certain restaurant, you should look online to see if you can find out more about what you like to have. You might be shocked to see the calories and fat grams in a simple fast food hamburger. The same hamburger made at home will probably have half of what that one has. It is partially about ingredients, and it is also a bit about how they prepare the meals. Many of these places have been put under pressure to release nutritional information, and this is making some more aware of what they are eating.
The same can be said for the foods that we buy in the grocery store. Many of the things listed with nutritional information is not what it might seem. You can see the word “juice” on a bottle of drinks, but you don’t know if that is really juice until you have read the nutritional information on the back of the bottle. Many times you can pick up these bottles to find that they only contain about ten percent fruit juice, and the rest of it is water and sugar. This is not what you want to see when you are looking for real juice.
Nutritional information is very important when you are dieting, or when there may be foods that are bothering your children. There are many preservatives that are questionable in nature, and there are some that believe these might contribute to some strange behaviors in kids. I don’t know if this is true or not, but you don’t know what is in something until you learn to decipher nutritional information. You may find some common things online, and it is a good idea to study up so you know what you are buying the next time you go to the store.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Nutrition Programme For Beginners
Beginning a new nutrition program is never easy, especially for beginners. If you are looking to learn how to structure your diet for building muscle and adding mass then follow the following proven principles of proven success.
Bodybuilding nutrition does not have to be a chore as many people think of it. You certainly do not have to starve! A bodybuilding diet plan is very healthy, and includes all of the major food groups, making it a complete nutrition solution that you can incorporate into your lifestyle. A sound nutrition plan has to include all of the essentials for health but muscle growth as well.
Therefore, a bodybuilding diet plan has to be higher in protein and healthy fats than most other diets. It's also higher in energy potent carbohydrates and uses much different types of foods than most people consume in their normal daily eating habits. Bodybuilding diets do not include most of junk foods and unhealthy treats such as candy full of simple sugars, fried foods, white flour products and alcohol. If you want to follow a healthy lifestyle then you certainly must minimize your consumption of these unhealthy treats.
Here's a sample bodybuilding diet plan that will work very well for pretty much anyone who is looking to add muscle mass. Depending on your weight and body fat levels, you may need to increase of decrease the amounts of foods consumed.
Meal 1: 6 egg whites, 1 yolk 2 slices low fat cheese, 3oz oatmeal, 1 apple or banana, 1 cup of low fat milk.
Meal 2: 6oz tuna in water, 1 whole wheat bagel, 1 tablespoon low fat mayo, 1 tomato.
Meal 3: 8oz grilled chicken breast, 2 baked potatoes, 2 cups salad, low fat dressing.
Meal 4: 4oz turkey breast, 2 slices whole wheat toast, 2 slices low fat cheese, 1 cup of low fat milk.
Meal 5: 8oz grilled steak, 1.5 cups brown rice, 2 cups salad or steamed vegetables, 2 tablespoons olive oil for dressing.
Meal 6: 6 egg whites, 1 yolk, Half cup oatmeal, 1 cup low fat milk.
You can also include a daily multivitamin supplement to ensure you are getting all of the essential micronutrients needed for proper muscle growth and recovery.
This diet plan will provide you with all essential proteins for muscle building, carbohydrates for ample energy & glycogen replenishment and healthy fats for additional calories. Try to space meals three hours apart and always remembers to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Bodybuilding nutrition does not have to be a chore as many people think of it. You certainly do not have to starve! A bodybuilding diet plan is very healthy, and includes all of the major food groups, making it a complete nutrition solution that you can incorporate into your lifestyle. A sound nutrition plan has to include all of the essentials for health but muscle growth as well.
Therefore, a bodybuilding diet plan has to be higher in protein and healthy fats than most other diets. It's also higher in energy potent carbohydrates and uses much different types of foods than most people consume in their normal daily eating habits. Bodybuilding diets do not include most of junk foods and unhealthy treats such as candy full of simple sugars, fried foods, white flour products and alcohol. If you want to follow a healthy lifestyle then you certainly must minimize your consumption of these unhealthy treats.
Here's a sample bodybuilding diet plan that will work very well for pretty much anyone who is looking to add muscle mass. Depending on your weight and body fat levels, you may need to increase of decrease the amounts of foods consumed.
Meal 1: 6 egg whites, 1 yolk 2 slices low fat cheese, 3oz oatmeal, 1 apple or banana, 1 cup of low fat milk.
Meal 2: 6oz tuna in water, 1 whole wheat bagel, 1 tablespoon low fat mayo, 1 tomato.
Meal 3: 8oz grilled chicken breast, 2 baked potatoes, 2 cups salad, low fat dressing.
Meal 4: 4oz turkey breast, 2 slices whole wheat toast, 2 slices low fat cheese, 1 cup of low fat milk.
Meal 5: 8oz grilled steak, 1.5 cups brown rice, 2 cups salad or steamed vegetables, 2 tablespoons olive oil for dressing.
Meal 6: 6 egg whites, 1 yolk, Half cup oatmeal, 1 cup low fat milk.
You can also include a daily multivitamin supplement to ensure you are getting all of the essential micronutrients needed for proper muscle growth and recovery.
This diet plan will provide you with all essential proteins for muscle building, carbohydrates for ample energy & glycogen replenishment and healthy fats for additional calories. Try to space meals three hours apart and always remembers to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Maintain Nutritional Healthy Diets
Will common sense ever prevail? We've all seen stories on the news about a new miracle food. “Eat more carrots and your eyesight will improve,” or “Eating raspberries reduces heart disease, cancer, etc...” and what about the reports on wine and alcohol consumption? Is a glass of wine good for your health or bad? It is easy for physicians and the news media to describe foods as good or bad, but most nutritionists realize there are no such things - only good diets and bad diets. Regardless of whether the news reports are based on fact or fiction, what's important to realize is that no single food will bring you good health or destroy your health.
Unfortunately people persist in classifying foods as healthy or unhealthy. Relying on various media and advertising adds to the confusion as terminology used implies that a food is either 'good' or 'bad' based on which term is used to describe the food. For example, 'starch is bad because it makes you fat', but 'complex carbohydrates are good because they contain fiber and take longer to digest'. Look up starch in a nutrition textbook and you'll find out that it is defined as a complex carbohydrate. Here's another one, 'calories are bad because they make you fat'; 'energy is good because it gives you stamina to finish your activities'. The reality is that a calorie is a unit used to measure energy; the same way inches or miles measure distance.
HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Classifying a food or nutrient as 'good' or 'bad' and reducing concepts in nutrition to the most simple terms is usually not going to give you a correct answer. These oversimplifications are not only incorrect, but in the long run detract from achieving balanced nutrition.
Although nutrition and diet shouldn't be oversimplified, it also doesn't need to be rocket science either. A good diet is about sensible choices and choosing foods that are nutrient dense. The more nutrients you can include in your diet the more balanced your nutrition will be. You can achieve balanced nutrition most easily by including a wide variety of foods in your diet and choosing appropriate, high-quality nutritional supplements.
Unfortunately people persist in classifying foods as healthy or unhealthy. Relying on various media and advertising adds to the confusion as terminology used implies that a food is either 'good' or 'bad' based on which term is used to describe the food. For example, 'starch is bad because it makes you fat', but 'complex carbohydrates are good because they contain fiber and take longer to digest'. Look up starch in a nutrition textbook and you'll find out that it is defined as a complex carbohydrate. Here's another one, 'calories are bad because they make you fat'; 'energy is good because it gives you stamina to finish your activities'. The reality is that a calorie is a unit used to measure energy; the same way inches or miles measure distance.
HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Classifying a food or nutrient as 'good' or 'bad' and reducing concepts in nutrition to the most simple terms is usually not going to give you a correct answer. These oversimplifications are not only incorrect, but in the long run detract from achieving balanced nutrition.
Although nutrition and diet shouldn't be oversimplified, it also doesn't need to be rocket science either. A good diet is about sensible choices and choosing foods that are nutrient dense. The more nutrients you can include in your diet the more balanced your nutrition will be. You can achieve balanced nutrition most easily by including a wide variety of foods in your diet and choosing appropriate, high-quality nutritional supplements.
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