The term ‘foodfitness’ was coined recently but it’s catching on. You will agree that food habits are an integral part of who we are, in society. Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the top three New Year resolutions for 2008, according to Reuters.
Food serves several purposes in the human body. It’s needed for the growth and development of the body, to fight diseases, to give energy and to repairs damaged tissues. Food in stored form also serves as an insulator, protecting us from the cold.
There is a specific food group to take care of each of the tasks mentioned. Carbohydrates are responsible for most of our energy. Proteins govern growth. It’s the vitamins and minerals that contribute to good skin and hair and help to fight infections. If you are not getting enough carbs, the fats will take over providing energy for the body but in most cases, one food group can’t fill in for the other. This is why a balanced diet is so important.
You can eat more than the recommended portion of protein but be weak because you are short of carbs. If your vitamin intake (through foodstuff) is low, your skill will look dull and lifeless and you’ll probably be down with a cold more often than you like.
Various diets are recommended for those who want to lose weight. If you’ve gone through any such program and it hasn’t been successful, then you were simply not eating right. Remember that your body needs carbs and some amount of fat, to be healthy. No diet should exclude a food group altogether.
Let’s face it; most of us eat whatever we find tasty. That is why junk food, meat and all types of sweets are in such demand. While eating delicious food pleases our taste buds for a short time, in the course of the day, you will feel uncomfortable, heavy or downright lazy. This is an indication that your food habits need to be revised right away.
Likewise, if you eat a lot of fibers (contained in fruits and vegetables), drink lots of water, moderate the meat intake and avoid junk food, you will feel refreshed from within. Anyone suffering from tummy bloating, gastritis and irritable bowel syndrome will find relief by eating healthy food.
Taking vitamin supplements is not an alternative to nutritious food. Sure, there are all types of pills and syrups labeled vitamin C, vitamin B and multivitamin but they are nowhere as effective as what nature provides. In fact, some scientists argue that prolonged intake of vitamins (i.e. Vitamins E & C) can reduce your lifespan.
The secrets of longevity have also been the focus of scientific inquiry. People who live to be over 105 years old are truly remarkable and they will tell you that they are still on this earth because of good eating habits. Note that they all talk about what they eat and not how much they exercised!
