Health Services: Common Issues - Nutrition and Weight
Adequate nutrition is one key to good health. Along with exercise and sleep, healthy eating helps you look and feel better, gives you more energy and helps you feel more rested. Fueling your body with the right foods is vital if you want to feel your best and work with maximum efficiency.
Each person's nutritional requirements are different depending on age, sex and their normal amount of daily activity. To get a better idea of your nutritional requirements, visit My Pyramid.
For those who are trying to lose weight, here are some tips and things to look out for.
Pay attention to portions. It might not be what you eat, but how much you eat. A low-calorie food can add up quickly if multiple servings are eaten. Visit, Sizing Up Servings to get a visual idea of recommended portions.
Avoid fad diets and diets that promise a quick weight loss. Weight loss that is healthy and stays off is done slowly. There's no way around it.
It's a red flag if a nutrition plan eliminates a food group or labels it as "bad." Nothing should be completely off-limits if it's eaten in moderation and in congruence with any health issue you may have.
Severe calorie restriction is unhealthy and can actually slow down your metabolism. Other effects include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, frequent colds or infections, and bone thinning.
Poor nutrition choices can have short and long-term effects on health including dehydration, lack of essential nutrients (ones your body cannot make on its own) and changes in metabolism.
Exercise is an essential part of weight maintenance or loss. Muscle burns more calories and takes up less space than fat.
Try to make small changes you can stick to, and gradually add on.
For more information visit the following links or search for your favorite fast food places to check out their nutrition data.
