Webster's Dictionary defines the noun uses of the word nutrition as
1. The organic process of nourishing or being nourished; the processes by which an organism assimilates food and uses it for growth and maintenance.
2. A source of materials to nourish the body.
3. The scientific study of food and drink (especially in humans).
In the first definition the word nourished is critical to the purposes of nutrition. A person may eat and eat but unless the food contains certain vitamins and minerals the body will not benefit and grow in optimal health.
The second definition uses the word materials, it is plural. Some people live silly diets and only eat a limited variety of foods, but the definition above states that nutrition is found in many materials. A vast variety of all kinds of food is essential to receive a balanced nutrition.
What is interesting about the third definition is that nutrition is a scientific study. This is no surprise, daily there are articles about health, nutrition, combating diseases, weight loss and other programs to promote health and yet so many people are willing make bad health choices. The question is WHY are people living unhealthily? A couple of theoretical answers:
•People are following incorrect information for dieting and nutritional help
•People don't know how to find out the nutritional value of foods
•People feel like they can't afford healthy food
•People don't care
Get the right information
Thousands of scientific studies have been carried out to determine how to improve health. Sadly, most people find information out via the Media. The media more than ever is taking any information and only exposing certain elements to create a controversial article that will no doubt receive a lot of attention. Check your sources when you are learning about nutrition don't get sucked into flattering advertising or dieting fads.
Where is the Nutritional Value?
Lots of foods, especially in the United Kingdom have nutritional labels on the packaging. The most important aspect of labeling is to know what Vitamins and Minerals you need. Lots of people just look at the package and see there is a bunch of vitamins listed and consider that the product must be good. If you are taking your health seriously then you must find out what Vitamins and minerals you need.
Nutrition is a little more complex but if you teach yourself to look for the right things you will receive years of health and endless energy.
Can't afford healthy food
Produce can be expensive, especially if you buy organic. Some people think to be healthy they have to go all out and buy everything fresh, organic and nothing processed. As nice as that would be most people do not have the means to provide their family with such wonders. Start off small. The fresher the produce the better, but any fruit is better than no fruit. If pure juice is on sale then use that as a fruit supplement. Find small ways to cut back on snacking foods such as sweets, chocolates, biscuits and crisps and supplement them with yogurt, dried fruit or nuts.
Another two ways to save at the grocery store are COUPONS and SALES, use them to your advantage.
Don't Care about it!
If you don't care about your health then that is truly unfortunate. Health can be a great blessing. By making a couple of adjustments to your life you could reap many benefits.
Eat foods packed full with nutritional materials and your body will grow and be efficiently maintained, prepared to combat any diseases that come its way.
