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Disclaimer:
The following information is based on personal research and not professional and/or certified advice.
The links and information throughout the website have not been validated and are based on external, independent sources separate from WVDOT.
Why is Nutrition and Healthy Eating Important?
Why is Nutrition and Healthy Eating Important?
Maintaining a healthy weight, diet, and overall lifestyle is important for your health for several benefits including developing better health to prevent serious health conditions or diseases, boosted self-confidence, increased energy, and more.
It is crucial to be realistic and patient with goals you make. Progress takes time and does not happen overnight or even over a couple weeks.
Factors that contribute to a healthy weight:
environment
family history and genetics
metabolism (the way your body changes food and oxygen into energy)
behavior or habits
(*information from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
Understanding Energy Balance
Understanding Energy Balance
The amount of energy or calories you get from food and drinks (energy IN) is balanced with the energy your body uses for thinks like breathing, digesting, and being physically active (energy OUT):
Weight maintenance, (energy balance) -- the same amount of energy IN and energy OUT over time
Weight gain -- more energy IN than OUT over time
Weight loss -- more energy OUT than IN over time
Balancing your energy over time helps you maintain a healthy weight.
Each individual has different goals, starting point, metabolism, and genetic history that affect weight.
Physical activity and diet alterations based on caloric deficit, maintenance, or surplus.
(*information from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute)
Intuitive/Mindful Eating
Intuitive/Mindful Eating
Intuitive eating is often a strategy used once an individual has a solid understanding of nutrition as applicable to them, their goals, and what works for them specifically.
You can find more information on intuitive eating by reading the article below, "A Quick Guide to Intuitive Eating."
Mindful eating can also be beneficial as it is a similar concept.
Be mindful of the food you eat.
Provide your body with the most beneficial nutrients for you.
Take note of the energy you have or lack.
Research and understand your goals.
--Consider the Hunger Scale when intuitively eating. Take a moment to evaluate how you feel and associate that to the scale. Everyone is different so it may vary. This strategy could help guide you to avoid overeating or to also make sure you eat enough. Listen to your body and make sure you're eating aligns with your mental health goals as well.
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