Considering the factors of what constitutes the key basics of sound nutrition, we need to consider what the word nutrition means and then attempt to adjust the way about which we think of food accordingly.

Nutrition means “the process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth,” yet all too often food is manufactured, advertised, and viewed by the general public as anything but the things necessary for “health and growth.”

Although there are basic principles of nutrition that are uniformly necessary for all human beings, our nutritional needs can vary by the determinate factors of our individual metabolisms and metabolic rates, our personalized genetics, and even our geographical locations on the planet.

Good nutrition has many benefits for mind, body and even spirit. When we eat well, we are well, we enjoy good physical health, superior focus, energy and vitality and we can maintain a healthy weight. Continue reading →

In a world where gas stations contain more snacks and sodas than they do fuel for your car, and there is drive-thru on every corner, it can be hard to focus on good nutrition. The temptation is everywhere! Here are some simple ways you can stay focused on nutrition without obsessing!

1 – Make a Plan!

Registered Dietician Vanessa Briggs recommends that you plan in advance when you go out to eat. Almost all big chain restaurants will have a nutrition menu available online. If you spend a little bit of time looking at the ingredients, calories, and other nutritional information on the menu, you will make a better selection when it comes time to sit down to order.

While you may think that the salad is the way to go for better nutrition, many times restaurant salads have more fat and calories than their pasta dishes. It may be better to skip the chopped salad and go for the fettuccini. The point is you never know until you look. Continue reading →

For your body to function properly, you need to give your body six essential nutrients each day. Here’s a quick overview of each one.

1 – Water

Water is the most basic nutrient your body needs. Every single cell in your body needs it to function and up to 70% of our body is made up of water. It helps regulate our body temperature and heart beat, helps the cells deliver energy and is vital in burning fat, just to name a few functions.

Most experts recommend 7-8 glasses of water a day in addition to the five servings of fruits and vegetables we should be eating. Anything with caffeine in it does not count toward your recommended daily allotment since caffeine drinks like coffee and tea expel water from the body. Continue reading →