Physical Health- Nutrition

Nutrition is difficult topic in our country today, and it’s also difficult topic in each of  our unique households. Diets on the market range from low fat to low carb to just plain no eating. It is difficult to understand exactly what works and does not work.

To add to the difficulty, each person’s genetics, culture, habits, and many others factors make the perfect diet very much an individualized thing. So, just because one person succeeds on a rigid diet of XYZ, does not mean that the same will work for another.

There is unlimited information on nutrition available on the topic of nutrition, and much of it is free on WebMD, choosemyplate.gov, youtube, and many other sites. I will add to the confusion by suggesting a three-pronged approach to getting all of the right nutrition that you need.

1. Know what your body needs.

Many of the fad diets of today probably do work for different reasons. However, you will have to know yourself to be able to either pick one or create one for yourself. There are few ways to do this.

·      Consult a doctor. He or she will be able to give you the best advice based on your height and weight and information from you and your medical history.

·      Take clues from your body. Pay specific attention to your mood, digestive system, urine color, and energy levels.

·      Do research. You are the scientist of your own life. If you are like me, you are still trying to find that perfect mix of nutrients, as well as, the discipline to ward off the bad stuff. Take the matter into your own hands.

2. Plan logistically.

It is one thing to sit and talk about what to eat and drink and what not to eat and drink. However, the real victory is won in the logistics. A few things to keep in mind are:

·      Do you have all of the knowledge you need?

·      Do you have the budget to eat that way?

·      Have you collected the tools you need like dishes for cooking, storing, and transporting the food?

·      Do you know how to use them?

·      Do you have recipes collected for when you need them?

·      Have you practiced your way to success in these areas?

3. Stave off cravings.

Even the best nutrition plan can fail as a result of those damn XYZs that are so hot, fresh, and tempting. People need a game plan to stick with what they have predetermined to be the best plan. Remember, it’s easy to choose how you eat in an instant, and then fail to follow through in the day-to-day battle. I think we all do at one point or another. Here are a few tips on how to stave off the cravings.

·      If you’re not hungry, pop in some gum and chew on it.

·      Studies show that your will power is lowered immensely when you are hungry. This is the dieting catch 22. If you are hungry, eat something healthy, to fuel your brain’s waning will power. Then pop some gum if you are still staring down the cinabon.  

·      Otherwise, eat just a little bit of the temptation, and then go for the gum.

·      In addition, have a predetermined activity that you do. Go for a walk or do a push up.

·      Fill up on a gallon of water a day.

Hopefully this three-pronged approach offers some insight on the subject. There is no perfect prescription for eating (that is follow-able by everyone). With the availability of food in our country today, the possibilities are endless. Do give up, if you are struggling with weight or disease. Keep giving your best efforts and you will find a way.

-Strength of GIF