Fat doesn’t make you fat
For so long I feared the word fat and would often opt for anything that said fat free. Since studying nutrition I’ve learnt the true meaning and purpose of fat, the different types of fat and how essential it is for the human body.
Connie Simmonds
What “calories” actually mean
‘Calorie’ in simple terms is the measurement used for the amount of energy found in a food. It does not measure vitamins, minerals, or whether the food is healthy or not. I now prefer not to obsess about calories, but to make healthy food choices and be mindful of my portion sizes.
Why filtered water is the best water to drink
Tap and bottled water may be the most convenient way for us to drink water in modern day society however; the best type of water to drink is filtered. Filtered water ensures we remove any unwanted chemicals, bacteria or excessive salts often found in tap and bottled water.
Variety is essential
The human body needs a variety of vitamins and minerals in order to function at its best. The best way to obtain the vitamins and minerals we need is to eat a colourful variety of fruit and vegetables every day, as well as balanced diet including all of the essential food groups.
Real food vs. convenient food
Eating food as close to its natural form ensures we get as many of the essential vitamins and minerals as possible. Ready meals, jars, sauces and other processed and convenience foods not only lack these vitamins and minerals but contain additional unnatural ingredients to help preserve the food.
The importance of protein
The human body is largely made up of protein; so consuming protein is essential for the repair and replenishment of our skin, hair, nails and muscles. When we exercise we challenge our muscles, hence why we are advised to consume more protein on those days. It is particularly hard for vegetarians and vegans to meet their RDA of protein as animal products are the easiest way to reach it. However foods like chickpeas and tofu are a great alternative.
Antioxidants aren’t just a marketing term but a very essential substance
Antioxidants were something I thought brands just threw on labels to sell more. However there is truth behind them and their anti ageing properties. Free radicals in the body break down cells and become more prolific as we get older, the more free radicals in our body the quicker the ageing process and the more prone we are to illness. The only substance capable of reducing these free radicals is anti-oxidants; hence why foods rich in anti-oxidants become such a hit! Fresh berries are my favourite source.
Diets and diet culture
On my course I learnt so much about different diets and their pros and cons. My personal conclusion is that none of them are sustainable as they all require the removal or reduction of a food group. I believe every food group serves a purpose and is required by the human body in order to function efficiently. If certain foods are to be removed from a diet due to allergies or intolerances suitable alternatives should be found.
Only I can take responsibility for my health
After learning about nutrition in more depth, I’ve learnt that only I can be responsible for my health and what I put into my body. Supermarkets and food manufacturers have a passion for food but also need to meet financial targets. So learning about how to read labels on food products was a massive help and cooking from scratch is a lot less risky than grabbing convenient foods.
Don’t underestimate the human body
The human body is incredible. After studying nutrition and how the human body processes the food we eat in order to function, I value it so much more and have truly learnt that food is life. You truly are what you eat and the human body isn’t stupid. You feed it rubbish, it feels rubbish and it functions poorly. Feed it with an abundance of health and it will flourish and glow.
Healthy Forever by Connie Simmonds out 14th June RRP £14.99 Lagom (Bonnier Publishing)