Proper nutrition is the keystone of a healthy and productive life. When you take in the nutrients your body needs, you provide the raw material for all the processes your body performs on a daily - and nightly - basis. Your nutritional choices have a profound influence on the level of well-being you can achieve.
Omega 3 fatty acids should be consumed for a healthy heart. These poly unsaturated fatty acids work to lower the triglycerides and increase HDL, the good cholesterol, in your body. Omega 3 fatty acids can also prevent blood from clotting inside your body. Studies also show that consuming Omega 3 fats can help to lower blood pressure.
Limit the amount of juice and soda that are consumed in your household. While juice does contain some vitamins, it is not a good substitute for eating the whole fruit with the skin. Soda is basically flavored, carbonated water that costs a lot of money. For optimum health you should spend your calories on healthy foods, not on liquid.
Make whole grains a part of your daily food intake. Whole grains pack a much more nutritional punch than processed grains that have had most of their nutrients refined out of them. Try including brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and 100% whole grain bread to your daily diet. You will get the fiber your body needs in addition to the beneficial nutrients.
Try to substitute healthy alternatives for fatty or sugary foods you enjoy. For example, instead of a bowl of ice cream, you can have some yogurt with fruit. Instead of french fries, try half of a baked potato. You don't have to cut out all the good tasting food in your life, just make healthier choices about what the tasty things you do eat.
Don't eat microwave dinners if you're pursuing nutrition. Microwave dinners are usually high in fat, salt, sugar and preservatives. Prepare your own meals from fresh produce and lean meats for the most nutritious fare.
For best nutrition, be sure to choose fats wisely. Butter was once thought to be the enemy due to the high amount of saturated fat. However, margarine has been found to be high in trans fats, which are unhealthy for the heart. Best would be to limit your fats as much as possible; second best would be one of the "Smart Balance" non-trans-fat type margarine's, and third best would be to use real butter, but very sparingly.
Use the daily caloric intake requirement to fuel your body with healthy, nutritious food. Eating roughly 2,000 calories of nutritious vegetables, whole grains and proteins is better than eating 2,000 calories of junk food. What you eat is just as important as how much you eat.
To increase the effectiveness of vitamin supplements, include plenty of manganese in your diet. Manganese has been shown to help your body absorb a variety of vitamins and minerals. Foods rich in manganese include pineapple, soybeans, and brown rice. Consuming these foods about an hour before you take any vitamins w,ill help your body take full advantage of them.
Cook up several whole potatoes and stuff them to have later as a quick meal. Potatoes keep great after being baked or even boiled. Just stick them in your fridge and when you are ready for a quick meal, slice them open, add some low-fat cheese and maybe some beans or broccoli, and warm everything in the microwave.
To summarize, there is quite a bit to learn about nutrition. Do not be overwhelmed though, because the basics are easy enough to implement. A lot is dependent on your willingness to make some changes, and a lot of those will start at your next trip to the grocery store. Are you ready for the challenge?
Omega 3 fatty acids should be consumed for a healthy heart. These poly unsaturated fatty acids work to lower the triglycerides and increase HDL, the good cholesterol, in your body. Omega 3 fatty acids can also prevent blood from clotting inside your body. Studies also show that consuming Omega 3 fats can help to lower blood pressure.
Limit the amount of juice and soda that are consumed in your household. While juice does contain some vitamins, it is not a good substitute for eating the whole fruit with the skin. Soda is basically flavored, carbonated water that costs a lot of money. For optimum health you should spend your calories on healthy foods, not on liquid.
Make whole grains a part of your daily food intake. Whole grains pack a much more nutritional punch than processed grains that have had most of their nutrients refined out of them. Try including brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and 100% whole grain bread to your daily diet. You will get the fiber your body needs in addition to the beneficial nutrients.
Try to substitute healthy alternatives for fatty or sugary foods you enjoy. For example, instead of a bowl of ice cream, you can have some yogurt with fruit. Instead of french fries, try half of a baked potato. You don't have to cut out all the good tasting food in your life, just make healthier choices about what the tasty things you do eat.
Don't eat microwave dinners if you're pursuing nutrition. Microwave dinners are usually high in fat, salt, sugar and preservatives. Prepare your own meals from fresh produce and lean meats for the most nutritious fare.
For best nutrition, be sure to choose fats wisely. Butter was once thought to be the enemy due to the high amount of saturated fat. However, margarine has been found to be high in trans fats, which are unhealthy for the heart. Best would be to limit your fats as much as possible; second best would be one of the "Smart Balance" non-trans-fat type margarine's, and third best would be to use real butter, but very sparingly.
Use the daily caloric intake requirement to fuel your body with healthy, nutritious food. Eating roughly 2,000 calories of nutritious vegetables, whole grains and proteins is better than eating 2,000 calories of junk food. What you eat is just as important as how much you eat.
To increase the effectiveness of vitamin supplements, include plenty of manganese in your diet. Manganese has been shown to help your body absorb a variety of vitamins and minerals. Foods rich in manganese include pineapple, soybeans, and brown rice. Consuming these foods about an hour before you take any vitamins w,ill help your body take full advantage of them.
Cook up several whole potatoes and stuff them to have later as a quick meal. Potatoes keep great after being baked or even boiled. Just stick them in your fridge and when you are ready for a quick meal, slice them open, add some low-fat cheese and maybe some beans or broccoli, and warm everything in the microwave.
To summarize, there is quite a bit to learn about nutrition. Do not be overwhelmed though, because the basics are easy enough to implement. A lot is dependent on your willingness to make some changes, and a lot of those will start at your next trip to the grocery store. Are you ready for the challenge?
About the Author:
About author: Dr. PJ Prakash has a Ph.D. in Nutrition from the Univ. of Rhode Island (USA). Visit his website to download your Nutritional Weight Loss eCourse, or to get advice on good nutrition.
Yes!!! I agree with you. Proper nutrition is the keystone of a healthy and productive life.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
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