The Value of Nutrition
Nutrition is the basis for our health. What we eat affects our vitamin and mineral levels, gut microbiome, mood, immune system, skin, digestion, sleep, energy, and overall health. Healthy eating in childhood and adolescence is a necessity for growth and development. It helps prevent various health conditions including obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, osteoporosis, iron deficiency and cavities (dental caries). A poor diet increases the risk of: becoming overweight or obese and certain cancers (including lung, stomach, colorectal and prostate).
- Between 2001 and 2010, consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages accounted for 10% of total caloric intake among children and adolescents.
- Between 2003 and 2010, most youth did not meet fruit and vegetable (intake) recommendations.
- Most youth do not consume the recommended amount of total water intake
I value nutrition because I value the health of my family and myself.
Healthy kids: Nutrition supports the immune system leading to less colds and illnesses. Sick kids bring home whatever they have which can lead to sick parents too. Keeping your kids healthy means healthy parents and less missed school days for kids and work days for parents. If your kids are constantly sick and unable to go to daycare or school, you are missing work as a result, even when you’re not sick. Keeping your kids immune systems strong means less sick days for your kids and less missed work days for you. A healthy immune system also means less allergies and asthma.
Weight management: Good nutrition is the best way to manage your weight naturally. When you’re eating right for your body (avoiding food sensitivities and other inflammatory foods), weight management is easier. Eating foods that your body is sensitive to promotes weight gain. Eating in a way that works well for your body, focusing on fat, fiber, and protein at each meal and snack and avoiding foods high in sugar and processed/artificial ingredients, weight is more naturally managed by food and nutrition choices.
Healthier food choices in the future: Introducing your kids to healthy foods early in life helps set them for nutrition success in the future. When they are offered healthy foods and the flavors and textures that they offer when they are young, it is easier for them to eat these foods as they get older. It sets them up to make healthier food choices as they grow up. Your kids are looking to you to teach them how to make healthy choices, so eat healthy in front of them, and make sure you are setting your picky eaters up for success by providing them with the proper nutrition that they need at home.
Brain development and school performance: Nutrition in childhood is important for overall health, cognitive development, learning and school performance. Eating a healthy breakfast has been associated with improved cognitive function, including memory, and improved mood in children and adolescents. Proper nutrition provides your kids with better focus which is important when they are in school and trying to learn and absorb new information. So skip the sugary cereals and breakfast pastries and provide a balanced breakfast with fat, fiber, and protein.
Other benefits of good nutrition and the resulting healthy gut microbiome include:
- Clearer skin
- Better sleep
- Increased energy
- Better digestion- less gas, bloating, indigestion
What do I mean when I say good nutrition? I mean a balance of veggies (and fruit), healthy fats, and protein. It also means cutting back on sugar and processed foods as well as any food sensitivities you may have. If you notice digestive symptoms (such as gas, bloating, or indigestion), acne, fatigue, or any other symptoms after eating a certain food, that typically means that you need to avoid that food, or at the very least, take a break from it. Those symptoms after eating mean that your body isn’t processing that food properly.
Eating a variety of foods allows for a diverse microbiome (microbiota in your gut) and more diverse nutrient intake so that you won’t be lacking any one nutrient. Eating the same limited foods all of the time can lead to nutrient deficiencies.
You feel better when you eat better. Whether that's physically because your digestion is normal, your energy is good, your skin is clear, and you're sleeping better. Or mentally because you know you're doing right by your body and making healthy decisions for a longer and healthier life. Or emotionally because you feel good about treating your body well. Eating better regularly helps you feel better overall.
Eating well means something different for everyone so figure out what makes you feel better physically, mentally, and emotionally and feel good doing it. Do what works for you and your family. It might be adding in a salad for lunch, adding in some extra veggies at dinner, or making sure that you are starting off the day with a more balanced breakfast. Eating healthy shouldn’t be stressful so find ways that are easy for you to incorporate into your life. Make changes happen and notice all of the positive health benefits!
Contact us today for personalized nutrition recommendations for you and your family to make sure that you are all getting the nutrition that you need to get and stay healthy.