Staying healthy isn't as simple as calories in and calories out
By Ivan Ling
March is National Nutrition Month, which is a time to focus on the importance of making informed food choices and developing healthy eating habits. In honor of this month, I interviewed Ms. Heckman, one of our school's health teachers, to learn more about some common misconceptions regarding nutrition.
"When it comes to nutrition, one of the most common misconceptions is the belief that you can eat whatever you want as long as you exercise," Ms. Heckman said. "It is not as easy as Energy in = Energy out. The nutrients in the food you choose to eat definitely matter." Eating a healthy and balanced diet is not just about limiting calories or avoiding certain foods. Rather, it is about choosing foods that are nutrient-dense and provide a range of benefits for the body.
Ms.Heckman also highlighted the importance of incorporating critical nutrients into our daily meals. "Often, the nutrient that people are missing is water. They forget about it or replace it with empty calorie drinks like soda," she said. Physical activity also plays a crucial role in overall nutrition and health, according to Miss Heckman. "Being physically active can improve your ability to do everyday activities. It can also impact your mental health and well-being. Participating in physical activities can reduce your risk of metabolic diseases, as well as help you think better, manage your weight, and even strengthen your bones and muscles."
In addition to physical health, nutrition can also impact mental health and well-being. "Highly processed foods and quick meals that a lot of people are used to eating aren’t necessarily made up of the best nutrients," Ms. Heckman said. "There have been several studies done that usually center around depression and anxiety being connected often to the types of food that people eat. Processed Vs. Clean or Natural foods." For those looking to make long-term, sustainable changes to their diet and lifestyle for better nutrition, Miss Heckman advises taking "baby steps." "First, know what you eat by keeping a food diary. Do not forget to check your beverages, many people have a high intake of empty calories just because of what they drink. You really only need water. Research the foods you like so you know what nutrients they contain. Cooked meals instead of quick meals," she said.
Though most of us might not care about National Nutrition Month, let's keep in mind the importance of making informed food choices and developing healthy eating habits. By incorporating key nutrients into our meals and engaging in regular physical activity, we can improve our overall health and well-being.
Comments