What is Nutrition? My Journey into the Truth About Our Food.
As I approached my 30th birthday in December 2010, I grappled with long-standing feelings of being overweight. Discontent with the notion of marking this milestone with a frozen pizza and a bottle of Rioja in front of the TV, I yearned for a more meaningful celebration. That's when the idea struck me—to delve into a subject I deeply needed in my life: diet and nutrition. I realized that by studying this field, I could seize control of my own health journey, breaking free from the maze of false information and trendy diets that had previously dictated my weight management. Armed with newfound knowledge, I could truly own my life and well-being.
In January 2011, I embarked on my quest for answers. Despite facing the challenge of navigating a course offered by a Spanish educational company, in a language I only had a basic understanding of, my determination and passion for the topic propelled me forward. I diligently combed through online resources until I found the right program. Although it was no small feat to tackle the material written in a language I was not fluent in, I remained steadfast in my commitment. I painstakingly transcribed every detail from the seven voluminous books I received, determined to absorb the wealth of information they contained.
By the conclusion of my course, which I completed with honors, I had acquired a profound understanding of how our bodies function in response to what we consume. I gained insight into the intricate ways in which environmental, genetic, and physical factors influence the utilization and distribution of nutrients within our bodies. This journey not only empowered me with knowledge but also instilled in me a sense of ownership over my health and well-being.
Armed with the knowledge I had acquired, I found it astonishing to witness the dietary choices people made. While it was no surprise that industrial desserts and highly processed snacks were laden with sugar and artificial additives, I was taken aback to discover that these harmful ingredients extended beyond just these items. Even seemingly wholesome products, including meat, contained alarmingly high levels of sugar, artificial additives, and preservatives. I found myself questioning why something as straightforward as chicken breast would include sugar as an ingredient when it should simply be chicken.
As I continued to observe the eating habits of customers at the local bakery where I was employed at the time, a troubling realization dawned on me: people were largely unaware of the detrimental effects of their dietary choices.
They consumed these products without understanding the implications for their health, oblivious to the fact that the very foods they enjoyed were contributing to their ailments and even exacerbating issues such as glucose levels. It became evident that many individuals were unknowingly causing harm to themselves through their dietary habits, highlighting a significant gap in understanding and awareness.
During my studies, I realized that there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to dieting, as our metabolic needs are influenced by a multitude of factors, even down to the cellular level. However, amidst this diversity, one crucial aspect consistently emerges as paramount to our health and well-being—a simple yet powerful trick that we can utilize to safeguard our health and ward off illness: adopting a whole-food diet.
Whole food, comprised of items directly sourced from plants, trees, the sea, or the farm, stands out as the cornerstone of optimal nutrition. It represents the essence of nourishment in its purest form, providing our bodies with the essential nutrients they need to thrive.
These foods are typically unprocessed or minimally processed, meaning they have not undergone significant alterations through refining, the addition of artificial ingredients, or the removal of key nutrients and are as close to their natural state as possible. Whole foods include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, and unprocessed meats and fish.
I embarked on transforming my daily dietary habits by implementing a series of changes. I eliminated all sugar, processed foods, white flour, white rice, and artificial colors from my diet. Instead, I prioritized incorporating a generous portion of vegetables onto my plate each day, alongside clean sources of protein. When the craving for dessert struck, I committed myself to crafting homemade treats using whole grains and honey.
My guiding principles were simple yet fundamental: every food item had to be real, unbleached, and unprocessed. Additionally, I made it a point to prepare all my meals from scratch, ensuring full control over the ingredients and cooking methods employed. These basic rules became the cornerstone of my new approach to eating, empowering me to nourish my body with wholesome, nutrient-rich foods. As a result, I emerged as a more confident, healthier, and happier version of myself.
Here are 5 reasons why you should prioritize whole foods:
Nutrient-Rich: Whole foods are packed with essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that are vital for optimal health and well-being.
No Added Ingredients: Whole foods do not contain added sugars, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. They are free from synthetic additives and are consumed in their natural state.
High in Fiber: Many whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes, are rich in dietary fiber, which supports digestive health, promotes satiety, and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Supportive of Health: Consuming a diet rich in whole foods has been linked to numerous health benefits, including reduced risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and certain types of cancer.
Some great examples are:
- Fruits: Apples, bananas, oranges, berries, etc.
- Vegetables: Spinach, kale, broccoli, carrots, etc.
- Whole grains: Quinoa, brown rice, oats, barley, etc.
- Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, black beans, etc.
- Nuts and seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, etc.
- Lean meats and fish: Chicken, turkey, salmon, tuna, etc.
Just keep in mind, that when you opt for whole food options, numerous benefits are awaiting you, and your body will surely thank you for it. Plus, who can resist a punnet of fresh strawberries?
As you may have gathered, my exploration into this subject has only deepened over time. Continuing to study casually over the past decade, I've encountered even more concerning realities and widespread misinformation within the realm of nutrition. It's been disheartening to witness the lack of accessible education provided to the general public on these crucial matters.
By sharing this topic through my modest corner of the World Wide Web, I aspire to help others make more informed decisions regarding their health and well-being. Even by initiating small changes to begin, you can attain a higher level of health and vitality. The resulting sense of well-being can be truly uplifting.
