What is Nutrition?
What comes to mind when you think of nutrition? It can often be hard to define or pin down exactly what this means, but it doesn’t have to be!
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nutrition is defined as:
“The intake of food, considered in relation to the body’s dietary needs. Good nutrition – an adequate, well balanced diet combined with regular physical activity – is a cornerstone of good health. Poor nutrition can lead to reduced immunity, increased susceptibility to disease, impaired physical and mental development, and reduced productivity.”
Basically, nutrition is what you do when you take into consideration what you eat. It’s deciding to skip having fast food for dinner, or avoiding excessive sweets.
How Can I Improve My Nutrition?
For a lot of us, it isn’t always easy to keep up with our nutrition. Those donuts in the office are definitely tempting and it isn’t always appealing to trade them for vegetables for lunch.
But if you’re looking to take up the challenge of improving your nutrition, you’re in the right place. Here are some ways you can start improving your nutrition TODAY:
- Take it one day at a time. Don’t blame yourself if you can’t quit cold turkey. For most of us, it helps to wean ourselves off eating unhealthily. Take this process one day at a time and you’re bound to improve in the long run.
- Remember to have a balanced diet. Good nutrition depends on consuming the proper food groups. Make sure you’re eating a balanced meal of protein, dairy, vegetables, and more!
- Keep track of what you eat. Writing in a food diary will help you know what you’re eating on a daily basis, what you should avoid, and what foods you should probably add to your diet.
How Can I Eat Healthfully?
What’s the first step when it comes to making a change and eating healthfully?
Before you toss out all your junk food and hop on the treadmill, you need to think about your mindset. Admittedly, you won’t get very far if you’re not committed to the process of healthy eating. It helps to make up your mind that THIS is what you want to do and the change you want to implement in your life.
Second, make a goal. You may not be able to quit eating sweets or junk food all at once, but what about one dessert every other week? That’s a more manageable start.
Third, commit. With the right mindset and a goal, you’re ready to get started. So, start!
Don’t wait until tomorrow, begin now. Make a conscious choice to skip unnecessary and empty sugars or calories. Read the labels of the foods you select from the supermarket and above all, do your research.
Common Misconceptions About Nutrition
Okay, so there may be some misconceptions floating around when it comes to nutrition. Not all advice is good (or true) advice, so what should you know regarding nutrition?
Here are just a few common misconceptions about dieting:
- You need to avoid ALL junk food: This is false! While it’s usually best to avoid unhealthy foods, we all get cravings. When eaten in moderation, there’s nothing wrong with having some chips or drinking a soda every so often.
- You can just outwork a bad diet: Sorry, but if you want to improve your nutrition, you can’t just exercise without changing your eating habits. Exercise and healthy eating must work together to improve your overall health.
- Eating at night will cause weight gain: The time of day has nothing to do with whether or not you gain weight. This is all dependent on what and how much you eat.
Dieting
There are hundreds – if not thousands – of diets out there, all claiming to be the answer you’re looking for to lose weight and live a healthy life. With so many diets out there, it’s no wonder you’re feeling a little overwhelmed and confused.
Which diet is right for me? Keto? Paleo? Should I try intermittent fasting?
To make a decision like this, you should first consult your doctor, dietitian, or nutritionist, who will help you decide which diet is best for your body and lifestyle.
Define what your goals are and what you’re working towards. What type of program most interests you? What are your current eating habits? Research your options to find the best diet for you.
The Bottom Line
It’s clear that nutrition is important for our minds and bodies. It is important to research and consult professionals when choosing a nutritional lifestyle and exercise routine, because it may not look the same for everyone. Best of luck to you!
Here are some resources you may consider checking:
SUPERFOODS FOR HEALTH: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
BEST WHEY PROTEIN SHAKE RECIPES FOR YOUR WORKOUT NEEDS
BENEFITS OF FAT-SOLUBLE VITAMINS FOR YOUR HEALTH
ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS FOR BRAIN HEALTH
GLUTEN SENSITIVITY: CHOOSING THE BEST BRANDS FOR YOUR NEEDS (PART II OF TWO-PART POST)
