Monday, July 7, 2008

Simple Nutrition Tips

Today, a lot of people are suffering with a variety of health issues. It's mainly due to our fast paced society, stress, and plain ignorance. Stress and poor diet will wreck havoc on our immune systems and leave us in a serious unhealthy state. If we take the time to educate ourselves about the foods we're putting into our bodies, we'll reap the benefits of a stronger immune system, not to mention increased energy, reduced body fat, a healthier look.

Here are some tips you can follow to nourish your body and keep your immune system healthy.
• Create a "no-fail" environment in your kitchen. Keep the junk food completely out of the house. You simply can't eat what's not there. Stock your fridge with some healthy snack foods instead.
• Eat frequently throughout the day. Just eating small portions will keep your blood sugar levels stable and you'll have more energy. You'll also burn unnecessary body fat. Just try to include some protein, complex carbohydrates, and quality fat in each meal.
• Try to eliminate as much deep-fried foods as you can, like chicken, fish, and french fries. They're usually fried in hydrogenated, or partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, or better known as trans fatty acids. Any food fried in this stuff has a serious negative impact on how you look and feel, plus your overall long term health will suffer because of it.
• Read the labels on food product packages. Food manufacturers don't care about your health. Their only interest is their profits. Take responsibility for your health and the health of your family. Get educated about food ingredients, know what they are, and know their consequences.
• Limit your consumption of white flour. Foods like bread, bagels, and pastas are simple sugars that burn off quickly and will leave you low on energy. Aim for more whole grain sources like breads and pastas made with whole wheat. You'll feel more full, have long term energy, and will get more fiber.
• When dining out or ordering fast food ask for sauces, condiments, and dressings on the side. This way you can limit how much sugar and fat you consume. Remember to always order your food with your health in mind.
• Because what you eat has a direct impact on how you look and feel, not to mention your overall health, focus on simply improving your eating habits rather than engaging in any kind of a diet.
• Supplement your diet with a natural vitamins and minerals. Foods these days are deficient in nutrients, therefore it's just not wise to think you're getting all your nutritional needs met just because you're making an effort to eat healthy.
• Buy organic meats, fruits, and vegetables. It's common knowledge anymore to know that the produce and meat we buy in retail stores are grown with pesticides, chemical fertilizers, insecticides, chemical herbicides, antibiotics, growth hormones, and medications. It all has to do with big business, and we simply don't need all that junk in our systems.
• Drink plenty of water. Water flushes out toxins and other unwanted things lingering in your body. It also replenishes fluids that help lubricate the internal components of your body, keeps you hydrated, reduces hunger (which helps with weight loss), helps to make skin look smooth and young, plus a load of many other benefits, probably even some yet to be discovered.

Well, these tips are simple enough for literally anyone to follow. You just have to care enough about your health to put in the effort. Good Luck.

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