The Basics of Good Nutrition

Nutrition is a very complex topic, so complex in fact that there is a degree in the subject which is called dietetics. The very basics of good nutrition have everything to do with your food intake. There are two general ways to regulate how you eat. The first is through following the basic food pyramid. This actually has many formats and types, and it may be confusing trying to determine which to follow, but what you essentially have to consider are the general principles behind all of them.

To help guide your choices, food pyramids categorize foods, such as carbohydrates or all energy-giving foods at the bottom most part of the pyramid. Consuming a variety of foods from each group ensures that your body obtains all the necessary nutrients for good health, since no single food can provide that. The general guideline is to drink plenty of water and eat more fruits and vegetables and other fiber-rich foods. Incorporate whole grains as much as possible, reduce the intake of cholesterol, saturated fat, and trans fat. Limit sodium and sugar intake and drink alcoholic beverages moderately, if at all. An example of the food pyramid goes like so, in daily amounts: 6 servings from the grain group, at least 3 of them being whole grains; five servings from the vegetable group; four servings from the fruit group; 3 cups from the milk group; 2-3 servings of meats and beans; six teaspoons or servings of oils (monounsaturated and/or polyunsaturated oils); and about 100-300 calories allotted for other foods such as those which are fatty and sugary, like dessert.

The other general way of regulating food consumption, because the food pyramid serving allotments can be difficult to keep to, is by following the "everything in moderation" principle. Just know your recommended daily calorie intake and pay attention to portion sizes. No need to stick to six servings of this and four servings of that. You can choose to indulge in a slice or two of that tasty pepperoni pizza today, and that sinful apple caramel sundae tart tomorrow, but lay off on the fats and oils and sugar for the next few days and double your intake of fiber-rich foods instead. You don't have to shy away from foods you love, you just have to enjoy everything in moderation.

The health care industry today is a very profitable business. In fact, it has been so since the day man thought of making money out of the provision of health goods and services, and it is unlikely that this shall cease to be the case. But there's the secret revealed, you can make the industry less profitable by knowing how to take proper care of yourself. And that is where knowledge of the basics of good nutrition comes in. All this is not to say you wish hospitals and doctors to run out of business, of course. But surely you would prefer avoiding health care expenses which usually burn holes in your pockets, wouldn't you?

With a lifelong passion for health, I enjoy sharing my personal experiences with diet and exercise. I also enjoy reviewing products, enjoy my latest reviews on what you need to know about which utensil organizer to choose, and purchasing stool furniture, including bar stools for your home.

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