| Much of our own individual health depends upon choices we make and our own lifestyles and personal habits. If we choose to partake in unhealthy habits such as consuming alcohol, smoking, or using drugs we will reap the consequences resulting in poor health. Likewise if we abuse food in such ways that we allow ourselves to put on too much weight to the point that it becomes unhealthy we have done it to ourselves. Other than falling into the vices mentioned above the next biggest problem that most Americans face is that they typically do not eat a nutritional diet. In the fast paced world of today where in most households both parents work to make ends meet there is seldom a healthy breakfast and often dinner is a call in pizza. So how do we decide what kind of diet is proper? There are two main camps for this debate and the range between them is great. Some people espouse that we should only eat totally natural and organic foods such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts. These are the proponents of the "raw" lifestyle. To those who follow this type of nutritional regimen any and all animal products of any kind are completely disallowed including eggs and fish plus they refuse to eat anything that has been refined and processed as well. On the other side of the spectrum are those who point to the USDA Food Pyramid as the guide to eating correctly saying that it will supply you with all the nutrition that you need for health. The problem with this is that they don't consider that many of these foods are nutrient depleted and don't give us the nutritional value that they should. The best approach really is to meet somewhere in the middle while practicing moderation in portions. One should still avoid all refined and processed foods. One easy way to do this is to avoid all white foods. White bread, white sugar, and white rice have all been processed. Instead stick with natural whole grain foods like brown rice and whole wheat bread. Eat lean meats in moderation and limit them to only a few ounces a week. It is better to eat fresh fish and organic poultry along with nuts to get the protein you need to take in. For carbohydrates stick to natural fruits that have not been canned or packaged to avoid sugars and preservatives. Lastly you have heard it a million times. Drink plenty of water, at least a gallon a day or more if you are exercising intensely which you should be. |
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