Our bodies receive the “information” and “resources” they require to function effectively from the food we eat. Our metabolic functions weaken, and our health deteriorates if the proper information is not received. We run the risk of becoming overweight, undernourished, and prone to diseases and disorders like arthritis, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease if we consume too much food or food that sends the incorrect signals to our bodies. In short, dieting is core to the proper functioning of our bodies (Ann-Kathrin and Roman 3). For current and future generations to remain healthy throughout their lifespans, a proper diet is crucial. A balanced diet lowers a child’s chance of developing chronic diseases and promotes healthy growth and development. Adults who follow a healthy diet have a lower risk of obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and several diseases. People who do proper dieting are more likely to live longer (Ann-Kathrin and Roman 1). Chronically ill individuals can control their ailments and prevent complications by eating better. When there aren’t any healthy options, consumers could select items that are higher in calories and less nutritious. People from low-income areas and some racial and ethnic groups frequently do not have easy access to establishments that provide cheap, healthier foods. The majority of Americans don’t follow a healthy diet and consume excessive amounts of sodium, saturated fat, and sugar, which raises their risk of developing chronic diseases. For instance, less than 1 in 10 adults and adolescents consume adequate fruits and vegetables. Additionally, 5 out of 10 adults and 6 out of 10 children between the ages of 2 and 19 regularly consume sugary beverages (Centers for Disease Control). In places like early care and education institutions, schools, workplaces, and communities, the Center for Disease Control promotes breastfeeding and works to increase access to healthy food and drink options. Therefore, it is vital to embrace proper dieting to ensure proper health and avoid chronic diseases.
Unhealthy eating could result in chronic illnesses like cancer and diabetes. One of the common results of poor dieting includes being overweight and obese. Children can grow up healthy and avoid being overweight and obese by eating a nutritious diet and receiving enough exercise and sleep. In the US, 42% of adults and 20% of children aged 2 to 19 are obese, which increases their risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain illnesses (Centers for Disease Control). High blood pressure and high levels of cholesterol are two of the main causes of heart disease and stroke. A high salt diet can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Although the current recommendations call for less than 2,300 mg per day, the average American takes in more than 3,400 mg daily (Centers for Disease Control). American diets contain more than 70% of their sodium from packaged, processed, grocery store, and restaurant items. Consuming foods high in fiber and low in saturated fats, expanding access to low-sodium foods, and engaging in regular physical activity can all help prevent high blood pressure and cholesterol. People who are obese or overweight are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than people who are healthy because, over time, their organs become less capable of utilizing the insulin they produce. In the US, 96 million adults—more than one in three—have prediabetes, and more than eight out of ten of them are unaware of their condition (Centers for Disease Control). Although the number of new cases has declined recently, the number of adults with diabetes has nearly doubled over the past 20 years as a result of the US population’s growth, aging, and increase in obesity. Besides, some diseases can be made more likely by a poor diet. A person’s chance of developing at least 13 different types of cancer, including uterine cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer, is increased when they consume unhealthy food and beverages, such as fructose beverages and highly processed meals (Centers for Disease Control). Consuming red and processed meat increases the risk of colon cancer.
A healthy diet provides enough micronutrients and fluids to meet the body’s physiologic needs while also consuming enough important nutrients in the right amounts to support physical and physiologic needs without overeating. Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are examples of macronutrients that supply the energy needed for cellular functions essential for daily operation. For optimal growth, development, metabolism, and physiologic functioning, micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals are needed in fairly modest amounts. In the diet, carbohydrates serve as the main source of energy and are most prevalent in grains, fruits, cereals, and vegetables (Hellas and Philip 6). When it comes to gaining health benefits, whole grains are favored over processed grains because the latter have had their germ and bran removed during the milling process, leaving them with lesser levels of fiber and micronutrients. In addition to providing energy, dietary proteins also contain amino acids that the body needs but is unable to manufacture on its own. Dietary proteins come from both plant (cereals) and animal sources (meat). Animal sources such as dairy, meat, and eggs are thought to be a richer supply since it has a wider range of amino acids and is more bioavailable (Hellas and Philip 6). When it comes to lean body mass and overall body weight, water makes up the majority of the human body. Water not only keeps you hydrated but also transports trace minerals and electrolytes, which are micronutrients. Up to 20% of the calcium and magnesium that should be consumed each day can be obtained from drinking water (Hellas and Philip 7). As part of proper dieting, it is important to consume an average of 3 liters of water daily.
For fitness and nourishment to be at their best, balance is essential. The body ultimately has to have enough fuel to meet both its basic requirements and the energy requirements of activities. An individual’s performance and healthy may be impacted due to poor dieting. If you have an injury and are unable to exercise but continue to eat the same way you did while you were active, you risk gaining weight. Adding more training sessions, stepping up the intensity of workouts, or losing hunger as a result of more physical activity, on the other hand, might lead to poorer performance and a rise in injuries. Despite what you may believe, not getting enough calories can be detrimental to a variety of activities, including swimming, rowing, and marathon running. Additionally, someone who practices hot yoga, runs five to six miles each day takes spin classes, and trains for a triathlon for six to eight hours a day may be at risk if their exercise exceeds their calorie intake (Ariane). Therefore, it is always important to be concerned about poor dieting.
Even while exercise is essential for maximizing health, excessive activity when combined with inadequate nourishment, might result in an energy drain. For instance, if you eat 1,500 calories a day but burn 1,500 calories while exercising, you won’t have any fuel left over or energy left over to meet your body’s essential needs (Ariane). Performance might be impacted by energy deficiency in the short term. Strength, endurance, speed, coordination, and focus can all be negatively impacted by inadequate hydration. Energy deprivation over time can prevent a person from reaching their ideal bone mineral density, which can raise the risk of bone fractures. Low energy intake can also increase the risk of injury, sickness, and stress fractures while lowering bone mineral density and weakening the immune system.
A key strategy to improve our mental well-being is fueling our bodies with carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are made up of fiber and starch. Since they slowly release glucose into our systems, they can be found in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and are good for brain health. Our mood is usually stabilized when glucose is released into our internal systems. Overall, the first step to more happiness and well-being might be to eat more complex carbohydrates and less sugary foods and beverages (Megan and Joanne). The second type of food includes antioxidants such as grapes. Our cells naturally oxidize substances to operate. Energy for our body and brain is produced through oxidation. Unfortunately, oxidative stress is also produced by this process, and the brain is the area of the body where it occurs most frequently. Oxidation causes a reduction in happy-promoting brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin, which can lead to a decline in mental health (Megan and Joanne). Antioxidants in meals with vivid colors, such as fruit and vegetables, protect from oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the body and brain. Additionally, antioxidants reverse oxidative harm and neutralize the free radicals responsible for brain cell deterioration. Eating more meals high in antioxidants can elevate mood by raising the levels of feel-good neurotransmitters in our brains (Megan and Joanne). The third type of food that can improve physical and mental well-being includes omega-3 forms. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, called omega-3 play a role in the process of turning food into energy. They are critical to maintaining the function of the brain and the flow of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, the brain’s feel-good hormones. Oily fish, nuts, seeds, green vegetables, eggs, and grass-fed meats are prominent sources of omega-3 fatty acids (Ariane). Omega 3 has been shown to reduce depression symptoms, delay the course of dementia, and boost brain function. The last form includes the B vitamins (Megan and Joanne). B vitamins are present in green veggies, beans, bananas, and beets, and they play a significant part in the synthesis of the happy chemicals dopamine and serotonin in our brains. High dietary intakes of the B vitamins (B6, B12, and folate) are protective against depression, whilst low dietary intakes have been shown to exacerbate symptoms.
The main benefits of eating a nutritious diet are improved health, more energy, and improved happiness. The three pillars of total health and well-being are a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and healthy body weight. It is impossible to overstate the value of a balanced diet for leading a healthy lifestyle. Maintaining a balanced diet and taking into account to fulfill all the important nutrients required by the body will help you live a healthy lifestyle. A good meal plan aids in achieving a healthy body weight and lowers the risk of developing chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and other cancers. Through lowering stress, despair, and pain, physical activity helps to manage numerous health issues and enhances mental health. Regular exercise aids in the prevention of anxiety, arthritis, high blood pressure, metabolic syndrome, and stroke. Furthermore, it is important to be adequately dehydrated. Overall, this paper highlights the importance of living a healthy lifestyle by keeping a proper balance between dieting and physical health.
Ann-Kathrin, Lederer and Huber Roman . “The Relation of Diet and Health: You Are What You Eat.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 19.13 (2022): 1-4.
Ariane, Lang. Can Certain Foods Give You An Energy Boost? 2021.. <https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/energy-boosting-foods>.
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Hellas, Cena and C Calder Philip. “Defining a Healthy Diet: Evidence for the Role of Contemporary Dietary Patterns in Health and Disease.” Nutrients Journal 12.2 (2020): 1-15.
Megan, Lee, and Bradbury Joanne. Five types of food to increase your psychological well-being. 2018. <https://theconversation.com/five-types-of-food-to-increase-your-psychological-well-being-101818>.