What To Eat Today?

Most people have an opinion about what healthy eating means. Nutrition is the process by which living organisms obtain food and use it for growth, metabolism, and repair. The stages of nutrition include ingestion, digestion, absorption, transport, assimilation, and excretion.

It is important to an understand the general terms that are often used in association with nutrition. The terms generally refer to the major elements of nutrition.

At the highest level, nutrition can be divided into few top level categories: protein, carbohydrates, fat, and fiber.

Protein

The first term to be discussed is known as protein. A protein supplies your body with the necessary amino acids needed to maintain healthy body tissue. While many of the amino acids that your body needs are produced within your body, there are a few that can only be obtained from outside food sources.

Fat

Fat is another term that must be fully understood. Many individuals view fat as a nutrient that is detrimental to their health.

While the over consumption of foods high in fat can lead to a number of debilitating health complications, the human body needs fat for a variety of different functions. For example, fat is responsible for storing and supplying energy throughout the body.

There are two main types of fat: omega-3 fatty acids and omega-6 fatty acids. The average American consumes excessive amounts of omega-6 fatty acids and deficient amounts of omega-3 fatty acids.

Carbohydrates

Essentially, carbohydrates are responsible for supplying our bodies with energy.

Carbohydrates are divided into two distinct classes, simple carbohydrates and complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates are mainly found in foods containing sugars and complex carbohydrates are found in potatoes, pastas, and grains. Complex carbohydrates are the preferred source of carbohydrates as they contain fewer calories.

Fibre

Fibre is also a very important nutrient that very few people take into consideration. Fibres have a number of different digestive benefits.

Fibres are typically broken down into two classes: soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber dissolves in water and has been proven to effectively lower cholesterol. Insoluble fibers are unable to dissolve in water and have been proven to improve the overall efficiency of the digestive system.

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are not only necessary for the human body, but they are also responsible for a large array of functions that take place within our bodies. For instance, vitamins and minerals are instrumental in the regulation of our metabolism and the maintaining of healthy cellular growth and functionality.

While several vitamins and minerals are produced within our bodies naturally, a large majority of them are not and can only be obtained through the consumption of nutritional foods. For this reason, it is important to ensure consuming a well balanced whole foods diet that is nutrient rich on a daily basis.

Doing so, ensures providing the nutrients that the body requires to effectively perform the various bodily functions required to sustain life, ward off disease, and support a life that is filled with good health and wellness.

A little learning and planning can help you find a diet to fit your lifestyle, and maybe you can have some fun in the process!