Defining a Healthy Lifestyle

The definition of nutrition can be defined, according to Google, as the process of obtaining food necessary for health and growth as well as the branch of science that deals with nutrients, particularly in humans. So, according to the definition of nutrition, food is not just supposed to be something we eat for love and pleasure. Of course, it helps if we can eat what we love, and it nourishes our bodies. We can apply the principles of healthy nutrition into our diets and daily habits by focusing on eating to live, not living to eat.

October is cancer awareness month and few people have escaped the effects of the disease, either with a personal battle or having someone in their life living with the battle. Whether it’s cancer or other diseases, we must take control and responsibility of our health by choosing foods that will nourish our bodies. We know that cancer cells roam through our bodies looking for others to join and multiply to form tumors. What if we could keep these cells from joining others to become tumors? What if the battle that is going on in our bodies is between the carcinogens and antioxidants we take in? Both questions bring up points that are true.

The foods we eat contain elements that are designed to keep our cells healthy and fight off the free radicals from carcinogens that cause cells to become diseased. When supplying these elements to our cells and giving our systems the rest we need, we help our bodies to fight off these diseases.

The following are tips to changing your lifestyle with healthy habits to improve your health.

• Begin each day with mindfulness or meditation. Take time to read inspirational material with a quiet time. The Bible is very helpful in directing your thoughts to those of our Creator.
• Drink 8 to 16 ounces of warm water, which floods the body with hydration and helps flush out toxins.
• Consume a rainbow rich assortment of food, which will provide antioxidants, vitamins and fiber. Each of the colors in the rainbow nourishes a different body system. At each meal choose something green, red, yellow, orange and purple. Smoothies and fruit salads are a great way to start your morning.
• Speaking of your smoothie, add two teaspoons of flaxseed and chia seeds, two well known superfoods. They are incredibly rich in nutrients and fiber, contributing to better health.
• Because so many of Americans are suffering from dehydration, low fiber and a diet void of any antioxidants, adding a mixed salad or raw veggies to your lunch or dinner will make it complete and add some much-needed water content and fiber along with the antioxidants.
• Healthy fats are important because a little help to provide energy and a means of absorption of other nutrients. Fat is important to brain health as well. For years we have been told to limit the fat in our diets. But now we know that all fats are not the same. A healthy fat is one that is unsaturated and contains Omega-3s, which help to improve your mood, fight fatigue and even control your weight. Avocados are considered another superfood. Their nutrient and phytochemical content is important for the healthy fat they provides. Nuts, olives and fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring and trout are all considered good fats. Top your salads with one of these items to satisfy your hunger, keep your mood stabilized and promote weight-loss.
• Avoid saturated fats, trans fats and white sugar. Too much of these items result in chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol that can lead to strokes.

Even though protein has been touted as the primary nutrient, a palm sized serving of protein is all you need. Counting calories and measuring food are habits that are short lived. Studies have shown that those who practice a healthy lifestyle by enriching their faith, getting enough rest, eating a whole live food diet, drinking at least 8 glasses of water per day and exercising each day live longer.

Renee Beavers, Certified in Nutrition from T Colin Campbell studies of eCornell University, contributed to this article with  the principles of her Whole-Person Plant-Based Lifestyle Movement.