Good nutrition is a primary, central component to your wellness. You don’t need to have the tired adage of “you are what you eat” repeated to you to know that what you put into your body is what decides how well it will function. Certainly, there are other components that also play a central role in how healthy you will be. Exercise, clean air, stress control, and even genetics are some of those other factors. But even if everything else in your life was exactly where it should be, without consuming the right nutrients, you simply cannot achieve your best health.
You Don’t Know Everything About Good Nutrition
If you think that you know everything there is to know about good nutrition, think again. The problem is that there are so many conflicting ideas out there about what makes up proper nutrition, so it’s important to get to the heart of the issue. News reports on food studies, social media posts, and misinformed opinions from family and friends can all make us feel confused about what we should or should not be doing to keep ourselves well.
It’s very easy to believe incorrect information about good nutrition. Even doctors can give advice about what to eat that its out of date or incorrect but widely believed, nonetheless. None of us are infallible, and since it is very simple to learn the wrong information, make an incorrect assumption or believe something that has since been disproved, it’s important to try to keep on top of what is truly good for us.
Find Reliable Sources as Much as Possible
If you are aware of what constitutes eating right, then you will bypass all the clutter. It’s important to think of your overall goals and body makeup, but there are some rules that apply to everyone. If you can eat whole, natural and healthy foods, this will give you a good start. Going back to the basics and skipping more complex strategies can be a good way to get started. That way, you won’t get swamped by the details.
Beyond that, you want to learn what makes up the optimal nutrition picture over time. Give yourself the opportunity to learn about your foods. Remember that what is perfect for someone else may not be exactly what you need. General recommendations are just that. They’re meant for the average person. However, we all have our unique needs that cause our own ideal nutrient balances to shift slightly. Keep an open mind.
Get Back to the Basics for Good Nutrition
If you want to know what constitutes good nutrition, start by thinking through the basics. Think of what will keep you going and keep your body happy–and that starts with lean protein. This does not mean all protein, as you want to stay away from the fatty types. Rather than eating lunch meat or bacon, you want to opt instead for lean cuts of chicken, turkey, beef, and even beans and other legumes. These should be included in every meal in some capacity, as they keep your body functioning properly. You also want to be sure to add in some low-fat dairy in the way of cheese, milk, and yogurt. These can work well together in a profound way.
Eating the Right Foods for Improved Health
Another thing to know about good nutrition is that you do, in fact, need carbohydrates– but the right types. Rather than eating simple carbohydrates, such as those made with white sugar or flour, opt for whole grains. Brown rice, whole wheat pasta, and whole grain cereal or bread make for much better options. You also need fat; but again, you want the right type. Forget about saturated fats and focus instead on good fats. This is an aspect of good nutrition that many people don’t recognize. Focus on foods such as avocado, olive oil, walnuts and almonds, flaxseed, tuna, and salmon.
Good nutrition clearly also includes a lot of fruits and vegetables. They are all good for you, but the deeper and richer the color, the more that you get out of it. Then you get antioxidants that your body needs, in addition to vitamins and minerals. Try to eat smaller meals more frequently throughout the day and get to appreciate the right foods that keep you going. Never make food the enemy again, for balanced and proper nutrition will help you to lose weight, get healthier, change your body, and feel great at the end of the day. A true winning approach!
It’s All in the Balance
As you can see, it’s not as much a matter of making sure you eat one or two key superfoods to get good nutrition. Instead, it’s best to focus on balance and variety. Eat lots of fresh, whole foods in many different nutrient categories and you’ll help to make sure your body gains just what it needs to function at optimal levels.
