Eating well for your health

I train clients that are constantly battling their weight. It can become very frustrating for everyone - particularly if you are trying to lose weight solely by exercise alone. The truth is, we need to watch our food intake, especially as we age. Yes, exercise will make a difference, but change occurs very slowly. A healthy diet combined with regular exercise will generally work much faster and be better for your health. Here are some basics about eating well (reference: SparkDiet Resource center). The food you eat is the source of energy and nutrition for your body. Eating should be a pleasurable experience, not one that causes guilt or remorse. Getting enough food is rarely a problem, but getting enough good nutrition can be a challenge. What should you eat to stay healthy? Your body needs over 45 different nutrients every day. These nutrients are essential for health and must be provided in the foods eaten. These nutrients can be divided into five classes: . Carbohydrates (starches, sugar and fiber) . Proteins (includes 22 amino acids) . Fats (saturated, monosaturated, and polynunsaturated fatty acids) . Minerals . Vitamins These nutrients work together and interact with body chemicals to perform several functions: . Provide materials to build, repair and maintain body tissues . Supply substances that function in the regulation of body processes . Furnish fuel for energy needed by the body Each nutrient has a certain special job to do in the building, maintenance and operation of your body. Some jobs are nutrient-specific, some require that nutrients work together and so on. That's why a balanced diet includes all food groups. Your body needs all of these nutrients, not just a few. Some nutrients need to be replenished every day from food, while others can be stored in the body for future use. In my next blog I will discuss the energy providing nutrients.

Be healthy everyone! Let's connect at gaiaadventures@shaw.ca Catherine D'Aoust, Kinesiologist, Personal Training, Better Aging http://www.gaiaadventures.com 604 329.1257