Developing a healthy lifestyle is a life long process. The health of our body starts as embryos with what it receives from the umbilical cord. This nutrition all depends on how the mother is eating. Her knowledge of proper nutrition and the importance of eating well to support the good development of her baby is crucial at this point. There are many know abnormalities that occur as an embryo develops that may occur because of poor nutrition and an unhealthy lifestyle.
As an infant our parents feed us as well as they know how. Again if there is economical restrictions or just the lack of knowledge or understanding of the importance of nutrition our bodies may suffer.
As we grow, we develop our likes and dislikes for certain foods. Our way of eating can be influenced by our peers and what eating habits are accepted in the home we are raised in. If there is no importance placed on healthy eating, that will be carried into our adult life. If a home lifestyle of fast foods and prepackaged meals was normal this is usually the way a young adult will continue on their own.
Fortunately, that can be changed with our own free will as adults. We can take charge by educating ourselves. That is, learning the importance of disease prevention in the present and the importance of good nutrition for prevention of disease over our life time.
What are some of the healthy changes we can make?
Avoid fast foods, usually very high in fats and sodium with very little nutrient values
Avoid prepackaged meals, they are usually high in sodium and fats
Pack your own lunches for work, usually less expensive and you will know what you are eating. Use fresh roasted meats rather than processed meats.
Avoid foods high in sugars and fats, such as soda pop, ice tea, fruit flavored drinks and creamy salad dressings
Eat foods in their most natural state, the less you have to do to the food product the better
Avoid processed food such as luncheon meats, wieners, sausages
Read labels for the nutritional content as well as sodium and sugar content
Eat breakfast, the most important meal of the day
Eat a variety of foods from all food groups making meals and snacks more enjoyable
Follow the food guides for your age group. Different stages of our lives and what is happening in our lives can determine how much we have to eat.
Have an exercise regiment. This will usually change your attitude towards your health and make you want to eat more healthy
Take a good multivitamin to bridge the gaps in your diet. Even when eating accounting to the food guide our bodies are just not getting all the minerals and vitamins it needs. A whole food liquid multivitamin is easily absorbed by the body
Along with educating yourself on how to shop for and prepare healthy meals, it is important to get to know your body and watch for any physical or mental changes. The importance of annual check-ups cannot be over-stressed.
