A Realistic Guide to Nutrition

For many of us, the topic of “eating right” is nothing short of a foreign concept. We tend to stick with what we know; and what we know is to eat three squares a day, and never to leave food on our plates.

Well, it will probably come as no surprise that neither of these ideals is beneficial to our overall health. When it comes to nutrition, the best approach is balance and moderation. Day in and day out, women all over the world are fad-dieting, having cosmetic surgery, and going to other desperate measures to lose weight. Looking “skinny” is an easy alternative to having a healthy body.

There are all sorts of ways to measure what you’re eating and how those things will translate to your body image. We look at non-fat or low-fat alternatives that are different from low calorie diets. Low-calorie diets are different from low-carbohydrate diets, and so on, and so on. Which diet is best? Which one should one consider if she is interested in losing weight; someone who is interested in maintaining her weight?

We have all heard, at one point or another, that moderation is the key to maintaining a healthy body. There are all sorts of vitamins and other sources that our body’s need to stay healthy. Our bodies use carbohydrates, for example, as a main source of energy. Fats help our bodies absorb many essential vitamins, maintain the structure and function of cell membranes, and preserve the integrity of our immune systems.

Binge or fad dieting obviously inhibits the body’s ability to produce energy, and in the long run, does very little in support of an overall healthy lifestyle. Binge dieting will possibly produce a short term result, however most (95% of people) gain the original weight back within a few years.

Eating in moderation is a great start for anyone. Eat six small meals during the day, rather than three big ones. This takes prior planning and a real commitment. It can be done.

Find out the recommended caloric intake for your age, weight, and height and stick to it. Follow this link for a great resource at the infamous Food and Nutrition Center at the Mayo Clinic. Daily Calorie Calculator

Do not eat for one to two hours before bedtime. Use common sense when it comes to snacking. A great way of keeping track of your “snack intake” is to pour a small amount on a plate or in a bowl, instead of eating straight out of the “bottomless box.”

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