General Nutrition

31 Mar General Nutrition

Have you ever decided to start eating healthy then became frustrated trying to figure out what that means? It seems like what’s good for you one day is bad for you the next. Going to the internet for answers doesn’t really help either because EVERYONE has an opinion about what is healthy and what is not. It just leads to a lot of confusion.

Unfortunately, that’s the nature of research. Researchers go with what the data says is true until they get contradicting results. Then they go through the long tedious process of trying to figure out why they got contradicting results. Because of this, what we know about the food we eat and how it affects our bodies changes with every new breakthrough.

Fortunately, there are some constant tried and true general nutrition tips outlining what a good diet looks like. Being on a diet doesn’t necessarily mean you’re restricting calories. It means you’re being conscious about what you’re eating and making the best choices possible. The Mayo Clinic states that a good diet for general nutrition follows these guidelines:

• Includes a variety of foods from the major food groups: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, and lean protein including beans and other legumes, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats
• Provides guidelines for how much food to choose from each group
• Includes foods you can find in your local grocery store — rather than specialty or gourmet store items
• Fits your tastes, lifestyle and budget

In addition to this, you’ll need to take into account any health concerns you may have. If you have high blood pressure, you’ll want to limit the amount of sodium you’re eating. If you’re gluten intolerant or have Celiac disease, you’ll want to stay away from wheat. Of course, this is pretty obvious.

Also, how you cook your food is just as important as what you cook. Buying nutritious food isn’t going to do you any good if you fry everything. The Mayo Clinic recommends “experiment[ing] with quick and healthy cooking techniques, such as baking, grilling and sauteing.” Also, learn about food safety and how to give your favorite recipes a “makeover” with healthier ingredients. Doing so can help reduce your family’s risk of health problems.

Finally, if you have any concerns about your diet, we recommend talking to your doctor or a nutritionist. They can give you advice, and help you achieve your goals.