Obesity has reached epidemic proportions in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), over one-third of America's population is considered obese, which has caused an increase in health problems. The best way to combat obesity, for both adults and children, is to eat a balanced diet that nourishes the body without overindulging in foods that contain high fat or sugar. When searching for healthy eating advice, a local natural health clinic can always offer tips on how to accomplish this.
Mix Up Your Diet
A good time to start looking at the food you eat is during your weekly grocery trips. Try to limit highly processed foods because act of processing strips most nutrients away. Instead of chips, ice cream and juice, opt for lean meats, nuts, quinoa, fruits, vegetables and other vitamin rich foods. Also, when eating out, pay attention to what the menu choices are. Today most restaurants offer nutrition facts and healthy menu alternatives.
Each meal or snack should include some kind of protein, grain and produce in order to get the maximum benefit. Consult a holistic pediatrician with questions about a child's dietary needs.
Portion Control
Portioning is very important. Too much of anything can be a problem. For most adults, optimal caloric intake is 1,500-2,500 calories a day, but the body needs 1,200 minimum for proper organ functioning. A helpful tip for staying within this range is to pay close attention to serving sizes. This simple practice can make a dramatic difference in how many calories are consumed, as well as regulation of fat, salt and sugar intake.
Whole Grains
Whole grains lots of really healthy nutrients and fiber. Look for products labeled "100% Whole Grain" or "100% Whole Wheat." However, do be careful and make sure the nutrition label has whole grain as the first ingredient and check for any refined products, as many brands will still contain a lot of processed chemicals.
Limit Saturated Fats and Sugars
All fat is not bad, but it is important to pay attention to the kind of fat if it's going to be a healthy choice. Stay away from saturated and trans fats. One of the risks of eating foods with too much saturated fat is the increased incidence of heart disease. Environmental clinics see many patients that are struggling with heart disease and many times a change in their diets results in a remarkable improvement to their overall health.
Also, trim animal fat when possible because too much of it leads to high cholesterol. Limit your intake by choosing fish, lean meats, skinless poultry and skim milk.
Many foods contain natural cane sugar, which contains nutrients, but refined sugars can wreak havoc on a balanced diet. The occasional piece of cake or bowl of ice cream isn't going to hurt anything, but lots of sugary drinks and snacks can lead to obesity, diabetes and tooth decay.
Drink More Water
One of the tricks for a balanced diet is to drink more water. Water is a natural hydrator that has something for every organ in the body. An adult should drink at least eight glasses a day, preferably more.
Don't Skip Breakfast
Studies have shown that eating a healthy, balanced breakfast helps maintain weight goals. Not only that, but it starts the day off with increased energy levels and mental alertness.
Maintaining a balanced diet is a wonderful way to maintain a healthy weight and improve overall well being. For more information on how to achieve a healthy lifestyle, visit a natural health clinic to start a balanced diet plan today.
Dr. Susan Tanner is the principle practitioner at Southern Environmental Medicine Center. She and her experienced team provide the best alternative medicine in Atlanta using intricate diagnostic testing to find the source of the illness in their patients and provide a personalized plan to help them recover. Their treatments assist patients in healing for the long term and improving the overall quality of their life. Discover more about their treatments at http://www.susantannermd.com.
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