Fuel

First and foremost, we must think and look at food as our daily fuel - it is what will provide our body with the required energy. This means establishing a healthy diet consisting of the needed nutrients (carbohydrates, proteins and fats), vitamins and minerals and of course calorie intake. Furthermore, through making the right choices in food, you can ensure that each of the above have been satisfied, providing your body with the fuel (energy) that it requires. (Sizer & Whitney, 2011)

Below is a picture of the new government food guide in terms of choosing the right foods and of course portion sizes. According to the government, your plate should mimic that of the picture below.
While the average person looking to improve their health and food choices may find this guide to be extremely helpful, it is imperative for each of us to do our own research into what constitutes healthy eating. Interestingly enough, grains were introduced after the agricultural boom and have been infiltrating our diets ever since. But since we are now establishing healthier eating habits and eager to provide our body's with the much needed fuel they require, shouldn't we investigate grains further? Are they really necessary and are there negative effects to eating grains? Without going too far into a tangent, I'll make this short and sweet. Our digestive system wasn't meant to process grains, they are toxic to the human body. In fact, many individuals have developed an intolerance and must stay away from grains completely. Effects of grains include but not limited to: inflammation, digestive issues, autoimmune disorders, and weight gain. (Sisson, 2011)

To make things very simple, follow the simple food guide that includes eating lean meats - including fish and chicken - vegetables, some fruit, and nuts & seeds. Ignore the processed/pre-packed and fried foods. Refrain from eating foods consisting of high glycemic carbohydrates (potatoes, cereals, crackers, chips, french fries, etc.) and fill your plate with the foods that will keep your body running optimally.


I'm a realist and I do understand the difficulty with making the right choices 24/7 and I know that with a heathy diet/lifestyle, small indulgences are necessary from time to time. So be sure to hold yourself to the standard of eating "clean" but also allow yourself to make those bad choices every now and then without feeling guilty.

References:

Sisson, M. (2011) The definitive guide to grains. Mark's Daily Apple. Retrieved on September 8, 2011. Retrieved from http://www.marksdailyapple.com/definitive-guide-grains/

Sizer, F. & Whitney, E. (2011) Nutrition: Concepts and controversies. (12th edition) Belmont: California: Wadsworth, Cengage Learning.