Nutrition is a general term that refers to the process by which animals and plants take in and utilize essential elements found in food. Sadly, much of the food consumed today is low on the essential compounds needed for healthy bodies and minds. The following tips can help to to avoid making wrong food choices, and to raise your nutrient intake.
One of the most important nutrients that your body needs is water. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Preferably, use filtered tap water to simultaneously avoid cluttering the environment with bottles but also avoid drinking any chemicals or contaminants that may be found in your local tap water supply.
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.
Have a doctor check your blood for levels of various minerals and vitamins in your blood stream. Ask for a complete check. That way, if you find you are deficient in any one thing, or a few things, you can immediately start taking steps to change your diet so you stay well and healthy.
Organic food is much in the news these days and many of us are paying attention, as we should. Eating organically grown foods maximizes the nutrients we receive. One reason is that the soil on an organic farm is richer in the nutrients we need, which then imparts these nutrients into the food that we eat.
As important as nutrition is for young people, it becomes even more important for women as they age past fifty. For example, women over 50 should make the effort to keep their weight under control. They need to make everything they eat count, because their metabolism is slower and cannot process food in the same way it once did.
A great way to add some extra vegetables to your diet is by having an omelet in the morning instead of just scrambled eggs. If you are not getting enough vegetables in your diet you will miss out on important nutrients and over time may feel tired and worn down.
Have a slushie when you workout. It’s vital to remain hydrated during a workout, but especially on a hot day. On those days, don’t feel guilty about drinking a cool drink, even if it is a slushie, if you are exercising. Many runners who are otherwise healthy, have been known to pass out on very hot days because they fail to stay hydrated. Don’t let that happen to you.
When trying to add more nutrition to your diet, it is wise to consult your doctor. They can help to direct you to what your specific needs are. It is often very easy to switch to a more nutritious diet by cutting down on fat and sugar, while increasing fiber rich foods such as fruit and vegetables.
Don’t eat anything with microwave directions on the package. Anything pre-packaged meals are chalk full of preservatives.
Instead of eating potato chips as a snack at the end of the night, go into the fridge and peel several apple slices. Apple slices are a very nutritious and tasty snack that you can substitute; with a fraction of the calories that you will get from eating potato chips.
When you are looking for a meal that is easy to make and still gives you a lot of nutrition, try a baked potato. They offer a lot of fiber, and if you leave off the sour cream and butter, you will have a lower calorie meal with less fat.
If you are trying to encourage your child to have better nutrition, one of the most effective things you can do is to set a good example. Children mimic their parents. The wider the variety of foods you eat, the more foods your child will be willing to try a taste of.
A great nutrition tip if you’re pregnant is to make sure you’re getting enough iron. Iron is crucial for helping blood carry oxygen throughout the body. You need iron as well as your baby. A good way to get iron is by taking a supplement or you can get it from eating meats.
Another very important nutrient in your diet is potassium. It is very important for nerve signal transduction, urination and sweating. Good sources of potassium include, bananas, oranges, dried apricots and soybeans. It is also a frequent salt replacement for people who are on low-salt diets. Make sure you get enough potassium!
Those are sensible suggestions right? You probably agree. The hard part is actually following through on the advice. It’s probably not realistic to think that you can suddenly bring to bear all of these suggestions; but why not resolve now that you will diligently apply at least one or two of the tips?
