Nutrition as Self-Care

Proper Nutrition as Self-Care

Have you ever heard the phrase, “you are what you eat?” What about “you cannot outrun a poor diet?” Both statements are true. Our physical body is sculpted in the kitchen and maintained in the gym. We must provide our bodies with proper fuel. Whole foods provide the body with nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They have less added sugar, salt, and preservatives added. Eating a diet rich in these components is linked to improved cardiovascular health and decreased incidence of diabetes and obesity. The nutrients consumed replenish our body’s supply and provides the building blocks for our cells. Each of these elements are essential to promote healthy body function.

You must learn to read food labels and monitor how much sodium (salt) and carbohydrates the item contains. The goal is as little salt and sugar as possible. Processed foods (white foods such as rice and potatoes) are generally no good for your body. When we eat these items, they body stores them as fat. Stored fat leads to unwanted weight gain.

The human body is much like a car. It performs best when given proper nutrients. If you put cheap, watered-down gas in your car, it will not drive as smoothly as with premium gas. I want you to provide your body with premium gas to ensure optimal performance. Here are a few tips to improve your nutritional status.

6 Tips to Improve Your Nutritional Status

1. WATER! Drink lots of water. Water constitutes over 60% of the human body. Many times, when we feel hunger, it’s our body’s way of telling us we are dehydrated. Try to drink at least 100 ounces of water each day.

2. To maintain your weight, your caloric intake must be equivalent to the calories you expend daily. If you want to lose weight, you want to burn more calories than you consume.

3. Most of your grocery list should come from the perimeter of the store. Your diet should consist of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean meat. The center aisles are full of processed foods made of sugar, salt, and preservatives. You should limit your consumption of these items.

4. Eat until you are full! Many of us were raised to eat everything on the plate. This is not a good practice. We should eat until satisfied and get up from the dinner table.

5. Eat complex carbohydrates over simple ones. They take longer to digest and provide a more stable source of energy when compared to simple carbohydrates.

6. Limit the white foods in your diet. White flour is processed and contains more sugar and less nutrients.

Here’s to your health!