Nutrition
All things in moderation
We eat food to provide energy for our bodies. The energy used is in
the form of a chemical compound called ATP. Nutrients, the components of
food are classified as essential or non-essential nutrients. Our bodies
can make non-essential nutrients, but the essential nutrients must be
derived from the foods we eat. Why is this important? No one food
provides all the nutrients our bodies need on a daily basis. That is why
it is important to eat a variety of foods.
An average weight female, needs approximately 1,200 – 1500
calories/day. An average weight male needs 1,800 – 2000 calories/day. If
a person eats a very low calorie diet, they may not be able to obtain
all the essential nutrients they need to support a healthy life style.
Our nutrition needs can vary in every stage of life depending on health
issues or activity levels.
An improper diet including too much, too little or an uneven balance will most likely lead to one of these lifestyle diseases:
- Obesity
- Type II diabetes
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Cancer
- Arthritis
- High cholesterol
- High triglycerides
Eating certain foods and following simple behaviors will help prevent these diseases.
Eat complex carbohydrates, not simple carbs. Don't know what this difference is? Learn more now.
One
pound of fat is made up of roughly 3,500 extra calories. So in order to
lose one pound of fat, you need to create a caloric deficit of 3,500
calories. Learn how to create a caloric deficit in your diet.
Follow some general guidelines for healthy eating and dieting and achieve balance in your diet to stay healthy and energetic.
