Nutrition and Weight Control

Obesity has become a global health epidemic. There was a time when Eastern cultures seemed immune to the growing battle of the bulge so typical of Western nations. China, Japan, and even Korea are witnessing a disturbing trend toward obesity. The shift from whole to processed foods has taken its toll. Optimum nutrition promotes wellness by maintaining a healthy body weight.

As human bodies grow larger, so does the body of research seeking to answer the question: Why are we getting so fat? The answer is simple: poor nutrition. While we have an abundance of food, it is quality rather than quantity missing in our diets. With super-sized fast food meals and overloaded platters served at restaurants, our waistlines have kept pace with the growing portions on our plates. Our diets are loaded with food deficient in nutrition.

Processed foods have replaced whole, natural foods as our preference for sweeter and saltier food has grown. The demand for quick and convenient meals fuels this trend.  Non-nutritional additives such as artificial flavors, colors and preservatives increase consumer appeal, but add nothing to nutrition.

As portions increase and nutrition decreases, the problem of obesity seems to be spiraling out of control. What can we do to reverse this trend? The first step toward improved nutrition is knowledge. Understanding the basic purpose of food and using this knowledge is the key. We need to get back to basics by raising our nutrition IQ.

Back to Nutrition Basics

While food needs to be appealing, our focus on the flavor and quantity of meals has over-shadowed the basic reason for eating. Food is the fuel we require for energy to keep up with the demands of life. Whatever we eat is converted to energy and the surplus is stored as fat. Good nutrition is a combination of adequate nourishment and appropriate portions. 

Fat is not our body’s punishment for overeating; it is nature’s way of creating a reserve of fuel for use when food is not available. It is a protective function that provides heat when we’re cold, insulates our bones and organs, and prevents starvation. It has evolved to ensure our survival and works beautifully as long as we are providing quality fuel in the form of good nutrition. We have thwarted its purpose by consuming foods that provide surplus calories devoid of nutrients.

Striking a Balance

Good nutrition is all about balance. Choose fresh, whole foods rather than nutritionally deficient processed foods. Take care to include an abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean meats and a nutrition supplement such as vitamins to meet your nutritional needs.  This will leave “room for dessert” by eliminating processed foods that pack little more than empty calories. You can add those special treats you love without going into caloric overload. Increase the amount of fuel you burn. A sedentary lifestyle reduces the need for calories. Regular exercise will fire up a slow metabolism and burn off those stores of excess fat.

Take Control of Your Weight

If you’re already overweight, proper nutrition coupled with regular exercise is the only way to shed those excess pounds. A balanced diet of fresh, whole foods, moderate exercise and a nutrition supplement can get you back on the road to fitness.  Learn how to maximize without increasing calories.

Fire up that metabolism by eating smaller meals more frequently (six small meals a day rather than three large ones).  Exercise at least 30 minutes a day, three to five times a week. Learn portion control and teach your appetite to be satisfied with more reasonable portions. Combine a wholesome diet with a nutrition supplement and regular exercise; you will see those pounds melt away and feel the energy that comes with health and fitness.