Diet related disease is currently the largest cause of death in the United States of America. (TEDtalks) We can make a change to help decrease those numbers, the change starts with your personal health. By decreasing the amount of processed food you consume and increasing the amount of fresh produce you eat, and how much you exercise, you are actively improving the quality of your physical health. You can help others by encouraging them to do the same. Though it may feel like you are indestructible at this point in your life, it is imperative to take care of your body now, so it remains in good condition as you age.
What we eat now is impacting our future, which is why it is essential to make sure you are meeting your nutritional and physical activity requirements. Munching on healthy foods such as lean meats, nuts, whole grains and fresh produce, comes with several perks. Healthy eating not only supplies vital nutrient it also helps to balance the body. Eating right can provide more energy, help alleviate stress, improves your hair, skin and nails, as well as improving your overall physical, emotional, internal and external health (WebMD and Interview with Ms. Otto). A healthy diet can even help prevent heart disease, type 2 diabetes, various cancers, kidney stones and bone loss.
Fresh fruit and vegetable consumption can also lower high blood pressure and high cholesterol. (WebMD and choosemyplate.gov) Choosemyplate.gov recommends one and a half to two cups of fruit and two and a half to three cups of vegetables each day for teenagers ages 14-18. Exercise is also known to enhance fitness and health as well. By frequently exercising a person reaps many benefits, including a maintained healthy weight, getting more sleep each .
.. “Sugar Love (a Not so Sweet Story).” National Geographic Sugar, Why We Can’t Resist It Aug. 2013: 78-97. National Geographic.
Web. 23 Oct. 2013. MagazineOtto, Tina. “Issue Project Interview on Nutrition and Exercise Awareness.” Personal interview.
16 Nov. 2013.President’s Council on Fitness Sports and Nutrition. “Be Active, Eat Right.” Fitness. President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, n.
d. Web. 23 Oct. 2013. gov/>. WebsiteTEDtalks: Chew On This: Teach Every Child About Food. Dir. Jamie Oliver. Perf. Jamie Oliver. TEDtalks, 2010. Netflix.USDA. “ChooseMyPlate.gov.” ChooseMyPlate. gov. USDA, n.d. Web. 23 Oct. 2013. ” WebMD. WebMD, 19 July 2011. Web. 03 Dec. 2013. webmd.com/food-recipes/tc/healthy-eating-overview>.
