Your Guide to Good Nutrition

Mar 06, 2023

Are you struggling to reach your ideal weight? It's easy to believe that the key to weight loss is simply burning more calories than you consume. However, achieving overall body health and weight control requires more than just counting calories. Proper nutrition is essential for reducing the risk of health-related issues such as heart disease and cancer.

 

To function optimally, your body needs a balanced combination of nutrients. Let's break down the different types of nutrients and how they contribute to your overall health.

 

Carbohydrates are your body's primary source of energy. They help build glucose, which can be used immediately or stored for later. Simple carbohydrates include sugars, while complex carbohydrates are found in starches and fibers.

 

Proteins are essential for building and maintaining muscles and other tissues. They also play a role in hormone creation. While both animal and vegetable proteins are necessary, excessive consumption of animal protein can lead to high cholesterol due to its high saturated fat content.

 

Believe it or not, your body also requires fat for optimal health. There are two types of fat: saturated and unsaturated. Saturated fat poses health risks, while unsaturated fat is healthy in moderation. Keep in mind that refined unsaturated fats can become saturated fats.

 

Vitamins are also necessary for various body functions. They are required nutrients you’re your body. Different vitamins perform different tasks and they can work with the metabolism to help your energy levels. Vitamins A, C, and E are antioxidants that help to prevent coronary artery disease by keeping build-up from occurring on artery walls. Vitamin B-1 is crucial for digestion and proper nervous system function, while Vitamin B-2 is essential for normal cell growth. Vitamin B-3 helps detoxify your body, and folic acid is essential for the production of red blood cells. Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption, and Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting.

 

Minerals and trace elements are also necessary for various body processes. Chlorine helps make digestive juices, and phosphorus is vital for strong bones. Salt is another nutrient that your body requires, but it's essential to consume no more than 2400 milligrams per day, as it can raise your blood pressure.

 

In order to create a well-balanced and nutritional diet, you should aim to consume at least two and a half cups of vegetables and two cups of fruit daily. When choosing your fruits and vegetables, taste the rainbow. That means play with a variety of colors to get the benefits from all five vegetable subgroups at least four times per week. You should also consume at least three ounces of whole grain products daily, with at least half of your grain intake being whole grain based. I know most of us run from fats, but fats are also a necessary part of our diet, if you are eating the right ones. The majority of the fats you consume should be in the form of unsaturated fats, while less than ten percent of your calories should come from saturated fats. If meat and dairy is a part of your diet, they should be lean, low-fat, or fat-free. Fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and whole grains should also be a regular part of your diet, along with potassium-rich foods.

 

Excellent nutrition is the basis of a healthy diet and living a good life. By making small changes to your diet, you can achieve optimal health and reach your weight goals.

 

If you’re looking to make changes to your diet and need some support, sign up for The Emerald Green Collective Spring Detox from March 19 – April 8, 2023.

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