We are what we eat. Experts will not bombard us with researches about nutrition and healthy diet if it is not important for our health.
There are three rules to achieve good nutrition. These are variety, balance and moderation. But before we tackle on these rules, we must first know the 3 categories of food according to their purpose to the human body.
In our elementary years we were already taught about the Go foods, Grow foods and Glow foods. There purpose is not really that hard to decipher because it is already being described by their category name. Go foods provides energy to the body. It helps the person to be always on the go. Examples of go foods include those that are rich in carbohydrates like rice, bread and other dairy products.
Grow food provide raw materials for cellular regeneration. Protein-rich food like meat, egg and some vegetables are good examples for this. Proteins are the building blocks of our cells. As the title says, it helps the human body grow. Glow foods on the other hand are those that give us nutrients and vitamins that aid in the body’s functioning like fruits and vegetables. They boost our immune system and keep our body well hydrated thus making us glow.
In relation to the rules, a diet is not complete if the meal does not include a representative of these three food categories. That is why rule number one says, you have to eat a variety of foods. Each representative of these food categories is essential in providing the body with the nutrients and minerals that it needs to be able to meet its optimum functioning.
The incorporation of the three categories in the diet should also be regulated. So rule number two suggests that the amount of food coming from each category should be balanced out. The food pyramid will help you decide the good food combination every meal.
Commonly, we see in health magazines that we must avoid red meat, beans, nuts and sea foods but these foods are examples of grow and glow foods. This is where rule number three comes in: eat in moderation. Always remember that too much of something is bad for our health so be mindful to eat moderately.
In surveys, food is the first thing that could stimulate the release of your happy hormone endorphins. Having a healthy diet does not mean that you have to give up the foods you like, its more on eating in moderation, and maintaining a balance diet while eating a variety of food. Remember, food is fun so stop starving yourself instead practice self discipline.