Nutrition
Not only should your lead an active life, but to maintain a healthy lifestyle you must appreciate the importance of food and the effects different types of food will have on your health. It will not only affect your weight & size, but also your energy levels, skin & hair condition, memory, mood etc. This does not mean you must follow a strict calorie controlled diet, or get on the scales everyday!
However, you should watch what you eat and make sure that the food you consume is as natural and process free as possible.
Did you know?
98% of all people who go on a diet regain their original weight!
As a nation we spend far more each year on diet products, however obesity among adults and children is increasing!
It is true YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT. A balanced and healthy diet is the key to a happy, healthy, and long life.
'The evidence for nutritional therapy is becoming so strong that if the doctors of today don’t become nutritionists, the nutritionists will become the doctors of tomorrow'
The Optimum Nutrition Bible 1997
Research shows that nutritional therapy has proven successful in treating the following disorders:
- Headaches
- Digestive disorders
- Hormone related problems
- Chronic fatigue
- Skin problems
Our bodies require a variety of food from the following food groups:
Carbohydrates
There are two main forms complex and simple, and is the main fuel for the body. Good sources are pasta, bread, potatoes, dark leafy root vegetables, rice, pulses, rye, oats and fresh fruit.
Protein
This is vital for growth and repair, known as the building blocks of the body. Sources include fish, meat (white preferred), beans, lentils, tufo, eggs, and cheese (dairy in moderation).
Fat
There are two basic kinds; saturated (hard) and unsaturated, try to avoid saturated fats these are in meat and dairy products. Unsaturated are subdivided into – monounsaturated of which olive oil is a rich source and polyunsaturated found in nut and seed oils and fish. These are sometimes referred to as Omega 3 and Omega 6 and are vital for brain and nervous system, immune system, cardio-vascular and skin.
Water
Two thirds of the body consists of water, therefore it is our most important nutrient. The body loses 1.5 litres of water a day through the skin, lungs, and gut (urine). The ideal daily intake is around 2 litres. This should come from water, fruit teas, diluted fresh juice or fruit and vegetables. Alcohol, tea and coffee contain caffeine which causes the body to lose water, so are not recommended.
TOP TIPS
Cut down on saturated fats
Drinks lots of water
Always eat a low sugar breakfast
Eat plenty of dark green leafy vegetables
Cut back on red meat and dairy products
Eat organic when possible
Read food labels
Cut back on sweets and sugary snacks instead opt for fresh fruit, seeds, nuts etc
Avoid refined or processed food
Cut down on alcohol, coffee and tea
For further information visit: http://www.foodcomm.org.uk/ and http://www.patrickholford.com/
Recommended reading for health & happiness:
The Holford Diet by Patrick Holford
The Optimum Nutrition Bible by Patrick Holford
