Eating Right

Being healthy starts with getting proper nutrition. Most people who are in poor health are the first ones to make excuses about why they don't have the time or the ability to eat right. What happens in the long run is that eventually they may become so uncomfortable in their body, or so sick, that they are willing to do anything to feel better. Instead of waiting, why not start now to prevent that from happening? Remove non–essential items from your diet (AKA junk food), and replace them with tasty, healthful substitutes. Make it easier to avoid reaching for conveniently-packaged junk food by preparing nutritious, ready-to-eat meals ahead of time, and then freezing them in single-serve portions that you can use throughout the week. In the long run, the more time you spend working on making it easier to eat well, the less time you will have to spend at the doctor.

Nutrition Basics

The following are the commonly-known basic nutrients necessary to maintain good health:

Water

More than half of the body is made up of water. Water transports nutrients to the cells, carries wastes away, is used to regulate body temperature, helps lubricate the joints, and is the most important element that our body needs.

Protein

Proteins go by many names. It is needed for growth and repair of body tissues, those called enzymes are used for digestion, those called hormones are used for growth and metabolism, and those called antibodies fight disease and infection.

Lipids (Fatty Acids)

Lipids, more commonly referred to as fats, are an energy source used by the muscles and for bodily functions. Excess amounts are stored by the body for future use. They lubricate and insulate the body, help the bones and teeth use calcium, they carry vitamins A D E and K to the organs, they cushion the organs. They are needed for normal growth, healthy blood, arteries, nerves and skin; they are part of most body tissues; and they are needed to help form hormones and are used to digest food.

Complex Carbohydrates (from fruit and vegetables)

Carbohydrates are the main energy source for all body functions, they break down lipids, and they regulate protein and lipid metabolism. The most nutritious type are the high-density carbohydrates found in vegetables such as broccoli and whole fruits such as apples and oranges. The types to avoid are highly processed sugars found in candy and soft drinks which are harmful to health.

Vitamins

Vitamins are organic substances found only in plants and animals, they work with enzymes in their various processes such as digestion, growth and metabolism. Vitamin D is created in the body from the exposure to the sun. We need vitamin D for strong bones and healthy skin. Spending limited time in the sun each day is essential for the body to make vitamin D.

Minerals

Minerals such as calcium and magnesium help make bones and teeth strong; they help regulate water balance and acid alkaline balance; and most importantly, they keep the heart, nerves and brain functioning properly.

Fasting for Health

Fasting has been around since ancient times, but recent studies are showing a new benefit from the practice. One such expert on the topic is Dr. Jason Fung who wrote "The Obesity Code." It details how his medical research has helped many of his patients suffering from types of Diabetes successfully lose weight, get off insulin and return to excellent health.