Importance of Nutrition

Everyone knows the importance of nutrition, but unfortunately many people do not get adequate amounts of the nutrients they need from the food they eat. There are a variety of reasons that people have poor nutrition, but there's no acceptable excuse to not be able to provide yourself and your family with healthy, balanced meals. Taking nutrition into account when preparing meals or eating out does not require the amount of effort that many people think.

Staggering statistics show that obesity is becoming a huge problem in America, and the only one who can improve your health and keep you and your family from becoming one of those statistics is you.

Despite the known importance of nutrition and healthy eating, many people give the following reasons for not eating healthy enough:

Money - It is a common misconception that healthy food is expensive. Eating healthy doesn't mean you have to eat organic meals every night. Fresh fruits and vegetables are chock-full of many essential nutrients and are extremely affordable, especially when purchased from local farmers markets. Even when bargain shopping at discount food stores or in bulk to save money, read the nutrition labels and make healthy choices for your family. It's also important to realize that most times it is far cheaper to eat at home than it is to eat out or order in.
Time - With so many families over-scheduled, many find it difficult to find time to cook healthy meals, resulting in a culture that eats out more often than at home and relies heavily on convenience and fast foods. While there is nothing wrong with enjoying a meal out or even the occasional fast food or night of ordering food in, these should be done in moderation and healthy choices should still be made. For families on the go, try cooking for the week on a night when you have less to do and then freezing it to be reheated later.
Knowledge - Many people simply don't know that what they are eating is unhealthy. While you may think you are being "good" by ordering a salad at dinner, loading it up with tons of dressing, croutons, and bacon bits can add up to be more fat and calories than your friend's burger! Less is more, and many packaged products and food at restaurants provide you with more than you need. You should always have leftovers when you eat out, and following serving sizes on labels can make a huge difference.
Intolerances - Food intolerances and allergies are fairly common, but they are no excuse not to be getting the nutrition you need. Just because you are lactose intolerant does not mean you can't get enough calcium. There are a variety of creative and healthy alternatives for people with sensitive stomachs or dietary restrictions.

If you need more clarification on the importance of nutrition and what you can do to make healthier food choices, an experienced nutritionist or dietitian, as well as your primary care provider, can provide you with more information and make recommendations on what you can do to live a happier, healthier lifestyle.