Some Thoughts on Good Nutrition

With fast food and junk food so readily available, knowing what constitutes good nutrition can be difficult. It’s necessary to have good nutrition for both mental and physical health. Everything you eat, from the kind of food you eat to the quantities, is key to how your body works. Good nutrition is eating a well-balanced diet containing the six types of nutrition, which are:

• Protein
• Carbohydrates
• Fats
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Water

You Should Eat Good Food

Besides familiarizing yourself with the six types of nutrition and the proportions of each you should consume, it’s vital to know what foods to eat from each category. Just knowing that you should eat your fruits and vegetables is not enough. Eating the right combination of foods in the right amounts is also important.

Fruits should be consumed in their natural form and not in juices. You should eat a variety of vegetables, and from different colored groups (i.e. yellows, greens, et cetera). When it comes to eating cereals, breads, crackers, and pastas, at least half should come from whole grains. Rather than drinking whole milk, you should choose low-fat or fat-free milk, which will provide you with all the calcium and vitamin D you need to keep your bones healthy and strong. Lean meats are a good source of protein and have less fat and calories than other meats. Other sources of protein, such as poultry and fish, are good choices to replace red meat.

Why Good Nutrition is Important

Maintaining a healthy weight isn’t the only reason you should pay attention to your personal nutrition. There are many things good nutrition can help, including:

• Reducing the risk of some diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, some cancers, and osteoporosis
• Reducing blood pressure
• Lowering cholesterol levels
• Improving your well-being
• Improving your ability to fight off illness
• Improving your ability to recover from illness or injury
• Increasing your energy level

How Do You Know if You’re Eating Properly

The best way to know if you’re eating properly is to assess how you feel. If you feel good and are healthy, you’re probably eating a well-balanced diet. Feeling sluggish and tired is a sure-fire clue that you’re missing some things in your diet. If you’re not feeling well or are getting sick a lot, take a look at what you’re eating. If you’re eating more junk than not, it’s time to change your diet.

Nutrition and Acupuncture

Acupuncture and nutrition work hand and hand.   While either can be the sole focus, there are benefits to considering both to maximize results.

If you’re planning on seeing an acupuncturist, it’s important to observe good nutritional habits during treatment. Most acupuncturists are also authorities on personal nutrition, but not all jurisdictions allow them to give nutritional advice.  There are many  nutrition specialists that can offer you guidelines for establishing a personal dietary regimen, but not all of them are certified acupuncturists. It’s important to know the difference if you are seeking acupuncture treatments.