The importance of diet & nutrition in relation to health
By Georgina Hopkins, CEO of Live Life Fitness
Personally, I am not a fan of the word ‘diet’, as diets don’t work. A ‘nutritional change’ can occur either as a person chooses to make changes for their own benefit or they are dictated for health reasons like diverticulitis, cancer or heart disease. Good nutrition is one of the most important aspects of leading a healthy lifestyle alongside physical activity. Healthy nutrition can maintain or help reach a healthy weight, reduce risk of chronic diseases and promote overall health.
Nutrition is a wide subject to focus on, and an individualized approach should be taken as what works for one individual will not necessarily work for another. If you require help with this, I would advise you seek assistance from a Nutritionist or Dietician who will take into account any medical condition you may have and how your nutrition could benefit your condition or disease.
What is “good” nutrition and how do we gain or maintain good nutrition? Every day should start with a healthy, balanced breakfast which can be anything from a banana to eggs depending on how much time you have. Other meals such as lunch and dinner should have a balanced plate which is full of colour. If you notice the food you eat has labels all over, the food isn’t fresh enough, and the fresher the better. If the colour palette of your food is very beige, it is not healthy. If you want a snack in-between meals, have nuts, fruit or vegetables.
It is not only about what you are eating but how many portions you are eating? Portion sizes can be changed by putting your meal onto a smaller plate. If you make too much food then put the rest in a Tupperware container for another meal time. Each meal should consist of carbohydrates which help keep energy le
require. With protein, oily fish is p
is probably the best source, as red
red meat has been proven to ha
have harmful effects on health. Vegetables should take up the ma
majority of your plate as they are
are filled with antioxidants, vitvitamins and minerals. To ke
eep your plate balanced a small por on of dairy is requiredis required
tion air
in order to promote health b es via the use of calcium. However, dairy produce can be high in fats so a small amount is required. The final aspect of healthy,
y bones via the
balanced nutrition is good fats like avocado or olive oil.
eep energy levels up but can also be stored as
as fat if you have more than you req
It is not only about the food you eat and the portion sizes it is also about the water you drink. The government recommends an individual drinks a minimum of 8 pints per day, not including tea or coffee. Also, if you take part in any type of exercise you require more water as sweat will be lost during the activity. Water helps lose weight, maintain healthy skin and a healthy heart. The benefits continue, as water also helps fight infection, gets rid of body toxins, boosts energy levels and improves productivity. If we keep our bodies hydrated this in turn keeps our joints hydrated, moving more smoothly and reducing friction.
You wouldn’t try to drive your car without fuel? Or put diesel in a petrol fuelled car? Our bodies work the same way and we require a certain number of calories and hydration to operate efficiently. So go and see a nutritionist to work out what works for your make and model.
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