Webster’s Dictionary defines “Nutrition” as: the act or process of nourishing or being nourished. Hmm, doesn’t sound too appetizing, does it? We know what Webster defines it as, but what is nutrition? Is it eating three meals a day? Eating six small meals a day? Eating your daily recommended foods from the Food Pyramid? Only eating proteins or only eating vegetables? Well, it’s kind of all those things actually – and a lot more.

 

We can all remember that moment in health class when it came time to talk about nutrition and the first thing that popped up was? Any guesses? The Food Pyramid! And then, the next question everyone asked themselves was, “am I eating something from all those groups each day in my current life?” The common answer to this day is most likely, “no.” Most people don’t eat the recommended servings from all of the food groups on a daily basis, but the Food Pyramid is a pretty good guideline for what we should be taking in each day in food and calories. To learn more about the Food Pyramid and your recommended servings for your daily calorie goals, click here.

 

Remember there is no one diet that is right for everyone. Research shows us that any diet plan will work as long as you stick to it. Some key points to remember when choosing a diet plan are:

  • Your plan does not promise fast and easy results with a minimum of effort.

  • Your plan reduces calories to provide a safe rate of weight loss at 1 to 2 pounds a week.

  • Includes foods from all the food groups.

  • Foods are not rated as “good” or “bad.”

  • The plan allows you to occasionally eat some of your favorite foods.

  • The plan allows you to eat with your family or in a social situation.

  • You can figure it out and are comfortable with the amount of food preparation.

  • The plan is based on scientific research and not solely on testimonials.

Just as people have different calorie needs, people also have different required amounts of vitamins and minerals. If you are on a lower calorie diet, it may difficult to get in all your nutrient needs from the foods you are eating. Check with your healthcare provider for vitamin and mineral supplementation.

 

Once you’ve spoken to a healthcare professional about your weight (if the both of you feel you need to address your weight), ask them to help you put together a weight-loss plan. A weight-loss plan may involve working with a dietitian and others to best design a program for you.

 

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Nutrition