Have you ever heard the saying, "You are what you eat"?
This saying is more true today than ever before. With all of the unhealthy food choices available, it is important to remember the benefits of a healthy diet and nutritious snacks. Read on for interesting food facts and great tips on eating well!
Why is Nutrition Important
These are just a few of the benefits of healthy eating:
- May help prevent health problems
- Aids in growth and development
- Helps to increase energy
- Supports healthy weight loss and maintenance
If you choose not to eat healthy foods, this is what may happen:
- Children and adolescents can have emotional, academic and behavioral problems.
- You may gain weight and could eventually become obese.
- Unhealthy eating is a contributing factor, leading to eating disorders such as anorexia and bulimia-which can cause severe health problems and even death.
- Poor diet is a known risk factor for heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, high blood pressure and osteoporosis.
- Poor diet and inactivity cause at least 300,000 deaths among U.S. adults each year.
Did You Know…?
- Poor diet and lack of exercise account for at least 300,000 deaths among adults in the United States.
- It is estimated that dietary changes could prevent as many as 35% of cancer deaths.
- Approximately 34 % of people over the age of 50 are sedentary.
- Rates of adult obesity and adult-onset diabetes are increasing in the United States.
Try these Healthy Eating Tips
- Drink 6 to 8 eight-ounce glasses of water every day
- Drink a full glass of water 5 minutes before meal time
- Eat your vegetables first
- Chew your food completely… slow down and enjoy
- Chew sugar-free gum between meals
- Choose healthy snacks, like fruits, vegetables, low-fat yogurt, or low-fat cottage cheese
- Cut down on dressings, sauces and gravy
- Eat "whole grain" breads and cereals
- Use low-fat cooking spray instead of oil or butter
- Bake, broil instead of frying
- Steam instead of boiling
When stressed, angry or anxious, turn to physical activity for release instead of high-fat "comfort" foods. Your mood is more likely to improve and you will feel better about yourself later.
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