With the amount of information that exists about good nutrition,
you would think it was a big mystery. The truth of the matter is,
there is no mystery involved in getting the proper nutrients that
your body needs. Why should you care about getting the proper
nutrients? Many people are under the misconception that eating
healthy is for the young because they are growing. Tissue and
cells are constantly being renewed in both children and adults.
The failure for these elements to repair themselves can result in
diseases of lifelong misery or worse, death. To lower your risk
of developing a disease, you simply need to follow three simple
steps of good nutrition.
Proper Hydration
Plain and simple, your body needs water. Being properly hydrated
will benefit you from head to toe. Water keeps your cells hydrated
and flowing throughout your body. It doesn't take long to witness
the benefits of drinking sufficient water. Just a week of being
hydrated and your skin will have a new glow. If you need to lose
weight, water can help you achieve your goal. In many instances,
people misinterpret thirst for hunger. Unless it's been a few
hours since you have eaten, have a glass of water the next time
you have hunger panes.
There are numerous guidelines for how much water to drink. Consuming
eight glasses of water each day is the most popular guideline.
People have different needs. A better indication of how hydrated
you are is your urine. When you are properly hydrated your urine
is almost clear. There is the possibility of water intoxication so
you don't want your urine to be completely colorless.
Eating Healthy
In addition to being hydrated, you need to eat a variety of foods.
Forget fad diets that restrict certain foods. The key to healthy
eating is to eat in moderation and variety. Your food choices
should include a large percentage from complex carbohydrates,
which is sufficient for energy. You should also consume several
servings of fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy every day. You
should limit your servings of protein and fats to two or three
servings each day. By including all of these food groups in your
diet, you are less likely to be hungry or have cravings for sweets
and other non-nutritional foods.
Vitamin Supplementation
As long as you live in a country where food is plentiful and
produced safely, you should have no problem obtaining the amount
of vitamins and minerals your body needs. However, food allergies,
dislikes, and illness may prevent you from eating certain foods.
Some people, for example, are lactose intolerant and cannot consume
dairy products. In these instances, supplementation should become a
part of a plan for healthy nutrition. You don't need a prescription
to purchase vitamins, but it is a good idea to discuss your
particular needs with your medical doctor. Consuming excessive amounts
of some vitamins can cause toxicity and unpleasant side effects. |
