Counting calories is not as important as many of us think. The problem is that many people are focusing on this aspect of their food rather than on consuming truly nutritious meals. This has led to a nation suffering from full-belly starvation, where people are eating plenty of food but still feel hungry because they are not consuming the vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy body. This lack of understanding can lead to obesity, diabetes, and other chronic illnesses.
It Is Time to Stop Counting Calories
Rather than counting calories, you should start focusing on the nutrient-density of your food. Our western dietary habits mean that chronic and regular sickness has become the norm. Unfortunately, many doctors fail to consider that their patient’s diet could be the cause of their health issues, and instead provide medications and fixes in the form of multiple prescriptions.
To maintain optimal health, it is crucial to understand the difference between calories and proper nutrition. With many empty foods containing calories void of nutrition, it can be a struggle to focus on nutritious options that provide your body with what it truly needs.
The Issue with Big Food
Commercial food processors found great profit in capitalizing on our ignorance regarding nutrition. Using processed ingredients, fillers, and artificial flavors, they have produced a wide range of food options that do not actually contain the proper nutrients that our bodies need. As a result, the number of people with malnourishment increases, particularly in Western countries such as the United States.
Many people don’t realize that mass starvation caused by malnutrition is an issue in the USA. They attribute their body’s craving for food to the calorific value of their meals, rather than the specific nutrients needed to feel satisfied. As a result, many people suffer from health issues due to the food that is most accessible.
When trying to identify nutritious food, it is important to consider the nutrient-density scores of various food groups and aim to consume meals with high-density nutritious foods. For example, dark green leafy vegetables such as kale and spinach are rated highly, providing a more balanced meal option.
The Nutritarian Diet, created by Joel Fuhrman, M.D., offers excellent dietary guidelines emphasizing the importance of nutrient-rich plant foods as 90% of your daily diet. By eating high-density nutritious foods and eliminating processed, low-density, and sugary options, you can enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
The Way Forward
It is crucial to be cognizant of the food you consume daily. By making an effort to become more informed about the nutrient-density scores of various food options, you can provide your body with the proper nutrients that it needs to function at an optimal level. Foods such as leafy green vegetables, fruits, beans, and nuts can provide the nutrition needed to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Adhering to a largely plant-based diet is highly beneficial for improved overall nutrition. Start by consuming more nutrient-rich foods such as leafy greens and fresh fruits. If consuming meat, opt for organic, free-range, non-GMO meat from animals that have not been treated with antibiotics or hormones.
The key to improved health lies in making positive changes to your lifestyle and diet. Begin the journey to better nutrition today by introducing high-density nutritious foods into your diet, and feel the difference as you reclaim your health.
