If you watched the film Hungry for Change, you saw the negative consequences of a bad diet and the many benefits of a
Diet and Nutrition (Photo credit: fantasyhealthball)
good diet. What do you think people will look like in eight years because of what they eat? Do you think people will take all this talk about poor eating habits in our country and make changes in their diets or will they continue on as before?
I will make a prediction. I feel people still are not realizing the power of food and therefore will not pay attention UNLESS they are affected by sickness and disease. Then it may be too late.
We need to make better-informed decisions about what to eat. But what is a good diet, you ask? You probably know, but here are some main points:
- Includes pesticide free fruits and vegetables eaten as close to their fresh, natural state as possible.
- Minimizes meat or animal products, including milk.
- Includes beans and legumes in moderation.
- Includes nuts and seeds in moderation.
- Eliminates or greatly reduces foods that have been processed, manufactured, or microwaved.
- Eliminates fried foods or those cooked at a high temperature.
- Eliminates genetically modified food such as corn, soy, or sugar from GM sugar beets.
- Eliminates all sugar and high-fructose corn syrup.
- Eliminates aspartame or other chemical food additives.
- Eliminates modified, unnatural ingredients such as hydrogenated oils.
- Eliminates soda pop – adds more water.
Think what changes a healthy diet would make for our country. Health care cost would go down. Many of current diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, etc. would be eliminated or greatly reduced. Less sick leave and a more productive work force. Children better able to learn in school. Lack of good diets and proper nutrition may even be a reason for losing world leadership ability.
There are many health-conscious individuals who are concerned about what goes into their food and into their body. However, we need to continue to spread the word to more people and take action ourselves.
I challenge you to see what others are putting in their grocery carts at the store. I’m often mind-boggled by all the pop and chips going out the door.
Do you think we will make healthy changes by 2020?
To your good health and that of your family,
Lee Jackson
Child Nutrition Advocate – author
http://healthykidseatingtips.com
