Introduction:

The definition of nutrition is the study of nutrients in food and how the body uses them in relation to your overall health. Some people get scared off by the thought of trying to keep all their foods nutritious or get overwhelmed with assuming they need to understand everything in order to be healthy. That is not the case at all. When you break it down into an easier thought to digest, nutrition is being aware of what you are putting into your body and providing your body with the right type of fuel to keep going. Nutrition at its most basic level is about eating a regular and balanced diet, which when you think about it this way makes it a little less intimidating. Eating foods full of carbs or sugars is easy, that is where all the ‘yummy’ food thrives. Finding foods that you enjoy that can help provide your body with what it needs is always a great start.

Making Changes:

Nutritionists and dietitians have taken extensive schooling to be able to look at the details for an individual to help them really dig into what they need. Not all of us may have access to the expertise of these individuals, so just learning some basics can get you started in the right direction.

Eating certain nutritious foods can be hard for some people as sweets and high carb foods just taste delicious. Did you know, you can make brownies from zucchini, and they actually still taste good?! There are many recipes that can help increase some nutrients in your diet but still give you the sweetness you enjoy. Finding the right ways to add nutrition to your current recipes or having alternatives for some of those sweet items can be easier than you think.

Having half your plate be fruits/vegetables, a quarter of your plate for protein and a quarter for grains/carbs will help to shift your eating habits into a more nutritious mode. Try to have a glass of water or milk with your meal instead of a sugary drink. Keeping your carb level low is good (most foods that are high in carbs can be high in sugars, and sugars are not always great for the body) but also don’t be hard on yourself if you aren’t able to cut out as much as you want right away. It takes time as well as trial and error to find what works for you. Taking the first step to becoming healthier can be difficult, small steps are just as important as big ones.

Alternatives and Healthy Additions:

Here are some items you can add to your diet or use as alternatives to help improve your bodies nutrition:

• Apple sauce Vs Oil in Baking
• Cottage cheese and fruit
• Dark Chocolate Vs Milk/White Chocolate
• Dark leafy greens
• Fresh fruits and veggies
• Greek yogurt and mixed berries
• Lentils, chickpeas or beans
• Mixed nuts
• Popcorn
• Red bell peppers with guacamole

Conclusion:

Nutrition is important in our day to day lives. Trying to actively eat healthier to fuel your body can be a task but taking it one step at a time with small changes is a great way to start. Nutritionists and dieticians are a great help if you are unsure about how to move forward with your own nutrition plan, but if that isn’t an option for you- just making small changes and looking up healthy alternatives and recipes is a great way to start your journey to a healthier you.

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