Nutrion

Nutrition is as generic a term as “math” or “health”, and every person’s definition is different according to their own body and exercise plan. But it is now more of an exact science than ever before. Definite guidelines have been established and the information is out there and waiting to be discovered.

Whether you look online, buy or borrow a book, or pay a professional nutritionist to figure it out for you, the information is now out there and it is up to you to choose a healthy lifestyle and take advantage of the plentiful resources.

Guidelines from the government include recommendations about daily exercise and caloric and vitamin intake, grouped by special age and health groups. If you are overweight and sedentary, your caloric intake and exercise recommendations are much different from that of a pregnant woman or a relatively healthy child.

Keep in mind that if you have a specific health care problem or needs, you should consult with a health care professional about your personal dietary guidelines.

“Taken together, [the Dietary Guidelines] encourage most Americans to eat fewer calories, be more active, and make wiser food choices (page 8, 2005 DGA).”

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans from the United States Department of Agriculture and the United States Department of Health and Human Services (available here: http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/nal_display/index.php?info_center=4&tax_level=1&tax_subject=256 ) group recommendations by:

• Adequate nutrients within caloric needs
• Weight management
• Physical activity
• Food groups to encourage
• Fats
• Carbohydrates
• Sodium & potassium
• Food safety
• Alcoholic beverages

Just to name a few – these groups are also further broken down by recommendations for specific population groups such as people over age 50, women who might become pregnant, women pregnant in their first trimester, older adults, and people exposed to insufficient UV band radiation (sunlight).

 

 

 

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