As mentioned last week, foods can be classified into a range of nutritional value. On one end, you have the healthiest foods and moving towards the other end, there is a gradual decrease in healthiness until reaching the most unhealthy foods. The foods on the healthy end of the spectrum tend to be whole foods, i.e. as close as possible to the way nature made them. These foods are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. As these foods are processed and “tweaked” more and more from their natural state, they move down the health spectrum towards the unhealthy range. As the foods are processed more and more, their nutritional value tends to decrease due to the added artificial colors, preservatives, trans fats, and excessive amounts of sugars and sodium. Keep this spectrum in mind when choosing foods.
September, 2010
...now browsing by month
Nutrition Rule #1
Sunday, September 5th, 2010
There are a number of core concepts that form the basis of a healthy relationship with food. The first important rule is that there are no forbidden foods. Key to be healthy is the frequency with which certain foods are eaten. Foods range from the absolute most nutritious to the absolute least nutritious. All foods fall within this range and can be included in the diet. The more often you and your family choose foods towards the end of most nutritious foods, the healthier the diet will be. Even though you may cringe at the thought of your child eating certain foods (picture a greasy fried Twinkie at the Addison Fair), reassure yourself that it is the overall quality of the diet that matters. Also, keep in mind that healthy eating includes the actual foods eaten as well as the emotions tied to the foods eaten or not eaten. Having certain foods that are forbidden to be eaten can increase the attraction and draw of these foods.
