Better Health Through Proper NutritionThe overweight and obesity epidemic

Better Health Through Proper Nutrition

The overweight and obesity epidemic> Better Health Through Proper Nutrition

The overweight and obesity epidemic is due in part to the failure to eat a properly and engage in the right amount of physical activity. It is estimated that 72 percent of men and 64 percent of women in the USA are overweight or obese. A poor diet is also considered to be a major contributing factor in the morbidity and mortality of Americans that are not overweight or obese. The chances of developing such things as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke are greatly increased by failing to eat properly and get the right amount of physical activity. Luckily, strategies do exist that allow us to reduce the risk of developing these serious ailments.

While many Americans lack the resources to acquire adequate food to meet their proper dietary needs, careful planning can maximize the nutritional content of the foods available to them. The failure to maintain a proper diet isn't limited to those of us without adequate financial means. Many of us simply fail to eat nutritious meals for various reasons.

Children in particular are at risk of not eating nutritious foods. The availability of unhealthy snacks often causes our children become overweight or obese. Thirty-two percent of our children between the ages of 2 and 19 are considered to be overweight or obese. These factors greatly increase the likelihood that our children will develop chronic adult diseases later in life. Childhood habits usually carry over into adulthood, making it likely that an overweight child will grow into an overweight adult.

A good way to combat this problem is to implement a strategy of proper nutrition and physical activity.

First we must achieve a caloric balance. Caloric balance can be achieved by balancing the amount of calories consumed with the amount of calories burned. Combining diet and exercise is the only healthy way to achieve caloric balance.

Next, eating a diet that low in saturated fat and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, refined grains, sodium, and alcohol is a must. Eating foods that are recommended for disease prevention and to maintain overall health is also important. Foods like fruits and vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and low-fat milk products are but a few of the recommended foods. Foods containing such nutrients as vitamin D, potassium, calcium, and dietary fiber are also essential to a well balanced diet.

Last but certainly one of he most important things we must do is to establish a regular routine of physical activity. Physical activities such as walking, aerobics, swimming, and strength training are but of a few that we can use to burn excess calories. All of the little things we do on a daily basis also burn excess calories. Keep this in mind and you will be able to think of things you can do differently to improve your caloric balance.

Keep in mind that the things I have described are only a few of the things we can do to improve our lives. Use your researching skills to find more things you can do to improve your health and lower your risk of disease.

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