You are what you Eat: How Nutritious is your Food?

16/01/2019

They say “stop worrying about how much you eat, start focusing on what you intake!” Undoubtedly, health goals aren't easy to achieve. In fact, it demands time, efforts, determination, and knowledge to choose the right food product. The availability of hundreds and thousands of products might confuse you a bit. In this dilemma of choosing nutritious food, you might pick a product which isn't healthy for you. "What should I do?" This question must be popping inside your head. Well, to find out whether or not your food is healthy and which product is right for you, we have listed a few questions.
What are these questions? Let's explore together!
"A healthy outside starts from the inside"
1. What Exactly is Good Nutrition?
Before you start your mission to pick only the good nutrition food, it's better to find its meaning. Consider your body as a machine that works on fuel. Pouring wrong fuel inside the machine can be hazardous. In the same way, feeding your body the unhealthy food is a way to diseases and disabilities. Presence of essential components such as vitamins, minerals, calcium, protein, etc, signifies a balanced diet. Moreover, replacing processed products with organic food is the best thing you can do for your body. So whenever you are in the supermarket, look for the products, which contains all these elements.
2. What does the Ingredient List say?
Do you overlook the ingredient list on the food box? Nodding your head? If yes, it's time to pay special attention to the ingredients. After all, what you eat today is what you become tomorrow. While you are checking the type of elements used to prepare a specific product, don't forget the quantity. In addition, make sure that every ingredient is easily available at your home. Unknown components are alarming. So avoid purchasing those food products that have unfamiliar ingredients.
3. Is the Available Fat Actually Bad for you?
Many of us have a misconception that fat is bad for health, which is true. But do you know that not every type of fat contain calories? Yes, you read it right! Two types of fat- 'Good & Bad' are available out there. It's up to you which one you choose for yourself. It's shocking that almost 8 out of 10 market foods contain bad fat. When you eat something, you are either fighting a disease or becoming its residence. Go for products like.
Avocados- carbs & fibers
Cheese- calcium, vitamin B12, selenium and phosphorus
Dark chocolate-iron, magnesium, manganese, and copper
Whole eggs- loaded with vitamins and minerals
Fatty fish- omega-3 fatty acid, protein, and minerals
Chia Seeds- ALA omega-3 fatty acid
Nuts- fiber and magnesium
Extra virgin olive oil- Vitamin E & K
Full-fat yogurt- probiotic bacteria
Coconut oil- medium chain fatty acid
So whenever you see these names on any product, grab it!
4. Does it have Enough Fiber?
Many people pay attention to the calories, not on the fibers. That's the biggest mistake one can ever make. Fiber plays an important role to keep your immune system vigorous. A daily meal must be fiber rich so that you can fight various diseases (cholesterol and high sugar) and infections. So are you ready to boost your immunity?
5. What are those Strange Codes?
Beware of the claim "100% Natural." You might have noticed some strange alphanumeric labels on many food products. Health consciousness of the people has resulted in food companies to use secretive codes for harmful components. No matter how famous the brand is, if it has codes, something is really fishy.
In the Nutshell: A healthy 'Outside' starts from the 'Inside.' Detoxify your body by consuming nutritious food. Use these tips during your grocery shopping and begin your journey to achieve health goals now.
WRITER is Dr. Sonali Sharma, Dietician, Amandeep Hospital, Pathankot

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