About 35 years ago, a superfood was an unknown word. What everyone did know, was that vegetables and fruit were healthy and nutritious.

Today, sadly we find that our soil has been spoilt with chemical fertilisers and goodness knows what else! Yet, if you do shop around, there are farmers scattered around the world who have decided to replenish their soil and grow organic produce, which is great news for us the consumer, because everything is ecological, and therefore good for environment also.

Superfoods, we hear this word bounded around, but what are superfoods and why are they so crucial?

The definition of a superfood is- a natural food that is deemed essential, due to its nutritional D.N.A.
Natural foods that abound the earth and will always be more beneficial to your health and wellbeing than processed food and trans fat.

On the internet you will find many sites to click on, regarding the food pyramid. But in my opinion it should simply be – What is on your plate!

Is it time for you to change your diet? If so, this is the ideal time to take a refresher course on nutrition.

Human beings need to achieve energy balance and the only way this can be done is by having the energy coming into the body through calories. However, the amount of calories entering the body has to equal the energy going out of the body, or the calories that are burned.

If you think of your body as a petrol tank, if too much petrol is used, the tank overflows and spills. Likewise, if too many calories are taken into the body, without exercise to maintain the balance then the calories will settle, usually around the stomach or hips.

For example: - When you eat the same amount of calories from food that your body needs for its daily activities, your energy levels will balance. Only by doing this will you maintain a healthy body weight, which is critical to your overall health?

Carbohydrates, Fibre, Protein, Fats, as well as vitamins and minerals should all play a part in your daily nutrition. Today too many people eat the wrong foods and eat too much! That is why there is so much obesity.

The main role of Carbohydrates is to provide your brain and body with energy.

Protein is essential for the growth and maintenance of the bodies’ tissues, not only as we grow, but all through our lives.

Fibre is required by the body to keep the digestive system healthy and functioning properly. Fibre speeds up excretion of waste and toxins from the body. Thus preventing them from staying in the intestine or bowel for long periods, for this only leads to disease.

Fats are also essential, but they have to be the correct ones.
Unsaturated are usually liquid and can be found in plants and fish oils. Make sure that you consume polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, instead of saturated fats, this will reduce the blood cholesterol level and reduce the risk of heart attacks.

Do not use saturated fats. Never have Trans fat (which is man made)

Checklist:-

1. Choose a smaller plate which should consist of 2/3 carbohydrates and 1/3 protein. No more than 175 grams of meat and poultry.
2. Fresh vegetables
3. Fresh Fruit
4. Grains – if its made from oats, rice, wheat, or barley, it is classified as a grain product
5. Nuts and Seeds.

Whether you like it or not, healthy eating on its own will not lose weight. It is necessary however to combine it with daily exercise. At least 60minutes, to incorporate aerobic and other of your choice

Remember fast food is a tragedy of the modern age. What a mess it has made of the human body. Not only does it not satisfy the appetite you continue to gorge, which is slowly killing you, not to mention aging you more quickly.

Adults lead by example, don’t allow your children to be obese, encourage healthy eating and exercise as a daily and natural routine. Believe me you will notice a difference in energy levels and much more.

If you want more information or a diet sheet, click onto Life is a Journey, register to contact me.

Superfoods, or simply fruit and vegetables should be a good habit.

Want more indepth information, visit Life is a Journey and click on Audios.

Author's Bio: 

Nina Bagnall is the author of Looking Good Feeling Great Ladies 50 and over. Nina also writes ebooks pertaining to health and wellbeing. Her website "Life is a Journey" was created to help, encourage, persuade and enlighten all who visit.
Born and raised in Staffordshire, England. Nina was educated at a private convent school. She is married with two daughters.
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