Nutrition
Definition of Nutrition: The process of nourishing or being nourished, especially the process by which a living organism assimilates food and uses it for growth and for replacement of tissues; the science or study that deals with food and nourishment, especially in humans; a source of nourishment; food.
Importance of Nutrition: Our nutrition or lack thereof, sets the tone for our overall health. As each and every one of our clients learn, good nutrition is the cornerstone of building a lifetime of wellness. More importantly, good nutrition, just like including a fitness program into your daily routine, does not have to be overly difficult.
Eating Healthy is Simple
Do you ever really think about what you eat and more importantly, why? Probably not! Although this is quite common, we must really make an effort to change this and do so soon. The majority of the time we eat simply because we are hungry, tired, bored, sad or due to a social occasion. Very few people actually put much thought into why you need food or what choices would be best based on those needs at any point in time.
Good nutrition provides the body with a variety of things such as energy, raw materials and nutrients, vitamins and minerals, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. These things not only allow us to function daily and performance, but also to age in a healthy, optimal manner. Failing to put thought or concern into your food choices or eating habits is a surefire way to limit your general health and wellness.
Protein, Carbohydrates and Fats Are Equally Important
All too often you will see or hear some expert providing the latest, greatest diet or nutritional craze. Be wary of these every single time. There are no quick fixes. This is no “perfect” diet out there for everyone. And, anyone that suggest that any of the macro-nutrients, protein, carbohydrates or fats should be omitted from your daily diet is simply trying to make a quick buck and should be outright ignored.
For proper function and health, protein, carbs and fats are equally important! The amount, timing and type however, are the keys to success in maintaining a healthy daily diet or reaching new body composition or weight management goals. Extremes are not acceptable or required!
How Important is Water
Water makes up more than two thirds of the weight of the human body, and without it, we would perish in just a few days. The human brain is made up of 95% water, blood is 82% and lungs 90%. A mere 2% drop in our body's water supply can trigger signs of dehydration: fuzzy short-term memory, trouble with basic math, and difficulty focusing on smaller print, such as a computer screen.
Additionally, mild dehydration is also one of the most common causes of daytime fatigue. An estimated seventy-five percent of Americans have mild, chronic dehydration. This is a pretty sad statistic when you consider just how readily available water is in our country!
