Whether you live in Oklahoma, or any place in this world, you probably have at least a basic concept of how important good nutrition is no matter what your age. In fact, it’s the first thing that needs to be addressed if you want to change your overall health, weight of level of fitness. There’s a saying that a fit body starts in the kitchen. That’s true. While working out will help build muscles, without the right nutrition, you won’t get the results you want.
You need the basic building blocks.
In some countries, starvation is a huge problem for the population. It’s not the case in the United States. In fact, obesity is the leading killer. What’s sad is that both have one thing in common. Both groups, the obese and the starving are often suffering from malnutrition. In the US, over a third of adults are obese and about a sixth of children and young adults under 19 are obese. It all boils down to eating empty calories and making unwise choices when it comes to food.
Healthy eating prevents obesity and that also prevents many diseases.
You don’t have to be overweight to suffer from bad eating habits and the effects they have on your body. Lack of certain nutrients affect various parts of the body. Too little calcium, vitamin k and vitamin D can promote osteoporosis. High amounts of saturated fats and trans fats can lead to cardiovascular disease. You can increase healthy cholesterol and decrease unhealthy bad cholesterol by managing your diet, too. In fact, healthy eating can also improve your mood and build your energy level.
Good nutrition can help to maintain muscle mass as you age or build that cut, competition-ready appearance.
Good nutrition helps build and maintain muscles. For older individuals, maintaining muscle mass is important. It keeps individuals independent longer, keeps bones stronger and helps avoid injuries. For body builders, nutrition is the core of getting that competition ready appearance. You need adequate protein, based on your overall goal. It comes from healthy options like chicken, salmon, cottage cheese, lean meat and nuts. Carbohydrates are necessary for energy for your workout, but make it high quality, like whole-grain, fruits and vegetables. Healthy fat, from sources like walnuts, fatty fish, pistachios, almonds, avocados and olive oil should also be in your diet. It’s necessary to produce the hormones that help boost muscle growth and strength.
- The best diet for you should contain an abundant amount of vegetables and fruits, plus lean protein and a healthy source of fat. It should have all colors of vegetables, which means a variety of nutrients and be based on your overall health goal.
- Besides eating healthy, a program of regular exercise is also important. Exercise increases blood circulation to get nutrients to all parts of the body. It builds endurance, strength and flexibility.
- You’ll reduce your risk of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and other serious conditions when you have good nutrition for life.
- Not only will it improve your body and keep you healthy, good nutrition is also good for the brain. Studies show that a healthy diet can reduce the risk of dementia and help prevent cognitive decline.
For more information, contact us today at Kirra Collins Fitness