Nutrition + Fitness Nutrition Nutrition Understanding The Basics & Fitness Nutriton The Ultimate Fitness Guide 0359890628

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Book 1 Nutrition Understanding The Basics By Nicholas Bjorn Book 2 Fitness Nutrition The Ultimate Fitness Guide By Nicholas Bjorn

Book 1 Nutrition Understanding the Basics: Nutrition 101, Healthy Eating, and Weight Loss Lose Weight, and Feel Great! 4th Edition By Nicholas Bjorn

© Copyright 2018 – All rights reserved. In no way is it legal to reproduce, duplicate, or transmit any part of this document in either electronic means or in printed format. Recording of this publication is strictly prohibited, and any storage of this document is not allowed unless with written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved. The information provided herein is stated to be truthful and consistent, in that any liability, in terms of inattention or otherwise, by any usage or abuse of any policies, processes, or directions contained within, is the solitary and utter responsibility of the recipient reader. Under no circumstances will any legal responsibility or blame be held against the publisher for any reparation, damages, or monetary loss due to the information herein, either directly or indirectly. Respective authors own all copyrights not held by the publisher. Legal Notice: This book is copyright protected. This is only for personal use. You cannot amend, distribute, sell, use, quote, or paraphrase any part of the content within this book without the consent of the author or copyright owner. Legal action will be pursued if this is breached. Disclaimer Notice: Please note the information contained within this document is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Every attempt has been made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable complete information. No warranties of any kind are expressed or implied. Readers acknowledge that the author is not engaging in the rendering of legal, financial, medical, or professional advice.

Table of Contents Introduction Chapter 1: The Basics of Nutrition Vegetables Protein Grains Fruits Dairy Oils Chapter 2: Dietary Guidelines Control Calorie Intake On the Subject of Sugar The Role of the Food Industries It All Starts with the Kids So Where Do We Go From Here? Choose Macro-Nutrients Go Easy on Sodium It's Okay to Eat Fat It's Okay to Have a Cheat Day Don't Starve Yourself Know More about the Glycemic Index Read Nutrition Labels Chapter 3: Reading Nutrition Labels Number of Servings and Serving Sizes Pay Attention to the Number of Calories

The %Dv is Your Friend Look for Products that are Rich in Calcium, Iron, and Vitamins A and C Choose Good Fats Check the Sodium Content Weight Management Go for Healthy Carbohydrates Protein May Be Essential, But You Should Still Go for Low-Fat Look at the List of Ingredients Chapter 4: The Right Vitamins and Minerals Vitamin A Vitamin B6 Vitamin B12 Vitamin C Vitamin D Vitamin E Vitamin K Calcium Iron Potassium Fiber Zinc Chapter 5: Understanding Malnutrition Types of Malnutrition Signs and Symptoms of Malnutrition Treatment and Prevention of Malnutrition Statistics and Facts about Malnutrition Chapter 6: Diseases Caused by Poor Diet

Diabetes Anemia Rickets (Osteomalacia) Beriberi Scurvy Pellagra Night blindness (xerophthalmia) Goiter Kwashiorkor Depression Osteoporosis Cancer Chapter 7: Obesity – An Issue for more than 35% of American Adults Obesity and Lack of Micronutrients Obesity and Vitamins Obesity and Diabetes Chapter 8: The Best Fat-Burning Foods Walnuts Water Oatmeal Ginger Avocado Soybeans Salmon Grapefruit Flax Seeds Peanut Butter

Honey Broccoli Chili Pepper Flakes Eggs Olive Oil Berries Low-Fat Dairy Products Whey Protein Green Tea Chapter 9: Getting Started Being Mindful of What We Eat Don’t Beat Yourself Up Chapter 10: Some Tips on Shopping and Recipes Cutting Down Food Waste Putting It into Practice Breakfast Recipes Easy Work Lunches Dinner Desserts The Sensitive Subject of Snacks Chapter 11: The Importance of Water Tea and Coffee Chapter 12: Healthy Living Chapter 13: Final Eating Tips Conclusion Works Cited

Introduction I want to thank you and congratulate you for downloading “Nutrition: Understanding the Basics: Nutrition 101, Healthy Eating, and Weight Loss – Lose Weight and Feel Great!” This book contains proven steps and strategies on how to lose weight and keep it off. You will learn what the basics of nutrition are and what you need to do to ensure that you are in peak health at all times. You can definitely lose weight naturally and quickly by eating what's right for you! With the help of this book, you will learn the importance of reading food labels and making sure that you get the right amount of nutrients during each meal. This will ensure that you not only lose weight, but also keep the weight off while preventing disease, thus leading to a happier, healthier life. Lose weight and feel great the right way! Thanks again for downloading this book, and I hope you enjoy it!

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Chapter 1: The Basics of Nutrition With the rise in obesity levels in most of the Western world and with the increasing prevalence of this condition across many under-developed countries, there have been hundreds of diets that have been promoted, both to reduce weight and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The problem is that while most of them are great and offer impressive results initially, their longterm effects may not be so beneficial. Whether you want to reduce weight or simply eat a healthier diet, the solution does not lie in the latest fad eating regime. Instead, what you need is a system of eating that is both healthy and sustainable over the long term. Well, the solution to that problem may not be as complicated as you think. Many modern health problems – or the lack thereof – stem from changes in eating habits made over the last 50 years. Prior to World War II, the average male in London consumed over 3000 calories per day, and yet, obesity was not the problem that it now is. Sure, there was, by necessity, more exercise being done, but jogging and aerobics were not around then. Exercise tended to be moderate and performed within the course of general daily routine, such as riding or walking to work or using a push mower rather than a driveon one. If that is the case, what changes have been made to our modern lifestyles that facilitate the increase in weight among such a large proportion of our population? To enable ease of access to a healthy diet, the government developed a system known as the food plate. We will start by taking a broad look at this system, and from there, we will look at some easy ways to change eating habits for the better in more detail. These habits are not only healthier but, in many cases, they are cheaper, too. The fact is that much of the obesity explosion we have been witnessing has taken place in the poorer communities of our society, and any changes made need to be accessible to both rich and poor alike. If you want to live a healthy and well-balanced life, it is important that you maintain a well-balanced diet. The problem is that not all people know how to make sure that their meals are balanced and that they are eating the right

kinds of foods to get all the nutrients that their bodies need. It is also important to know how much of these foods you should be eating. In 2011, the Food Plate replaced the Food Pyramid as an easier means of showing people what they should eat for every meal. It's a way of zoning your plate and making sure that you fill your plate up with the right food choices. This Food Plate is known as “MyPlate” and is the current nutritional guide published by the United States Department of Agriculture. Basically, a food plate should consist of at least 75% vegetables, and then the remaining 25% should be partitioned between protein, grains, and fruits. A small saucer of dairy can also be included. Oils are also important to eat because they contain important nutrients, but they are not a real food group. They, however, will still be mentioned within this chapter. The notes below will help you understand the partitions of the Food Plate better.

Vegetables

In the early nineties, the World Health Organization came up with the five-aday fruit and veg plan that most people are familiar with. A significant amount of servings have been added since then, and most health organizations now recommend between seven and thirteen cups of fruits or vegetables per day, with vegetables making up the majority. The problem is that even on the five-a-day system, only 30% of the population achieved the WHO target. The importance of vegetables in a diet cannot be overstressed. Vegetables are four times healthier than fruit, and with the exception of those high in starch, they can be eaten without limit and are thus great and healthy snacks to grab when you are feeling hungry. Many of the dark green vegetables are known as superfoods. These include spinach, kale, broccoli, and Brussel sprouts. These superfoods have a lot of benefits that many people don’t know about. The biggest benefit provided by these foods is the high amount of nutrients that is present in them. These foods are more nutrient dense than any other vegetables on the list. Spinach is especially good, with plenty of vitamin K, which helps promote bone health and has lots of antioxidants and plenty of anti-inflammatories. It’s no wonder spinach is often considered one of the best superfoods. Many of the red and orange vegetables have plenty of nutrients that promote not only bone health but eye health as well. Nutrients like zeaxanthin play an important role in the health of your eyes. They help protect your eyes when they are exposed to UV rays and other harmful high-energy light. Lycopene is another antioxidant that is incredibly beneficial to your body. This antioxidant can protect your body from any harm that pesticides can induce. Pesticides are full of harmful chemicals that people digest on a daily basis. Lycopene is a great way to help stop any damage in its tracks. Starchy vegetables are a great source of fiber. Fiber is one of the nutrients that some people don’t consume enough of. It aids in digestion and helps keep your blood sugar levels stable, thus making fiber an incredibly important nutrient. B-vitamins are also prominent in starchy vegetables. Many scientists agree that these vitamins can reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. They also aid in promoting positive moods. They interact with the dopamine and serotonin levels in the brain, guarding against memory loss. Most adults do

not eat the recommended amount of starchy vegetables that they should. One cup of potatoes can go a long way. There are tons of benefits from beans and peas. Many beans are a significant source of protein, which is beneficial to those who are vegetarian or vegan. They are also full of different minerals, including copper, iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. Copper is very important throughout life, and infants who are deprived of copper by being given cow’s milk may have many issues as they get older. Copper is stored in the liver. A deficiency can lead to osteoporosis, increased risk of infection, impaired neurological growth, and stunted growth. Adults and adolescents don’t need a significant amount of copper, only 900 micrograms a day. Peas, on the other hand, have different benefits. While many of the nutrients are similar, the top two nutrients in specifically found in green peas are vitamin K and manganese. Vitamin K is important for bone health and also plays a huge role in making sure your blood clots correctly. Meanwhile, manganese also has a ton of benefits for your bones. It’s also used as a coenzyme in the metabolism, thus helping with digestion. People who eat large quantities of vegetables have a significantly lower risk of premature death than those who do not. Those with a high intake are also much less likely to get cancer. Adults should eat at least 2 ½ to 3 cups of vegetables each day. It’s suggested to eat different kinds of vegetables of various colors. This variety will let you remain enthusiastic in consuming your food, aside from offering a wider range of nutrients. Below is a chart that would enable you to become familiar with the various types of vegetables. Dark Green Vegetables

Romaine Lettuce, Spinach, Collard Greens, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Spinach, Kale, Dark Green Leafy Lettuce, Mustard Greens, Turnip Greens

Red and Orange Vegetables

Butternut Squash, Acorn Squash, Carrots, Red Peppers, Orange Peppers, Pumpkin, Hubbard Squash, Tomatoes, Sweet Potatoes

Starchy Vegetables

Corn, Cassava, Green Bananas, Cow peas, Green Peas, Potatoes, Green Lima Beans, Taro, Water Chestnuts, Plantains

Beans and Peas

Garbanzos, Black-Eyed Peas, Black Beans, Lentils,

Kidney Beans, Pinto Beans, Navy Beans, Split Peas, Soy Beans, White Beans Other Vegetables

Artichokes, Asparagus, Cauliflower, Cabbage, Beets, Bean Sprouts, Cucumbers, Celery, Eggplant, Green Peppers, Green Beans, Onions, Okra, Mushrooms, Iceberg Lettuce, Zucchini, Wax Beans, Turnips

Protein

The average male should eat at least 56 grams of protein per day, whereas the average female should eat 46 grams daily. These figures are for the average sedentary adult, and many active people should be eating more. Protein is what our bodies use to manufacture things. In short, our bodies are like small, highly advanced factories that are constantly rebuilding and repairing themselves. They are forever building muscle, growing hair and nails, repairing organs, and strengthening bones. The main building block for all these activities comes from protein, and that is also the reason why it is quite tricky to determine the exact daily intake needed. This amount will vary according to how much exercise we do, what age we are, what our body mass is, etc. Without protein, it would be impossible to maintain life as we know it. Protein is also highly sating to the appetite and can therefore be a useful tool for controlling calorie intake. Most proteins come in the form of animal products, particularly red meat. If your choice is not to eat red meat, then you can eat seafood in place of meat to make sure you are including enough protein in your meals. If you want the most protein in your meat, pork tenderloin, chicken, turkey, and steak have the most protein per bite. These are great for people who are working out often and want to build up muscle. Lean meat is definitely the best when it comes to this, as there is less fat. You’ll be able to eat the meat without worrying about putting on too much weight. Chicken is the most widely eaten kind of poultry in the world, and for good reason. It has a lot of protein while also being beneficial in other ways. It has an amino acid called tryptophan, which gives you a comforting feeling. This helps bring your serotonin levels up, making you feel happier. Chicken is also rich in phosphorus, which promotes teeth and bone health. It also helps make sure that your kidneys, liver, and central nervous system function normally. If you want a boost in your metabolism, chicken would be a good food to eat. Meanwhile, niacin is a B-vitamin that can help guard against cancer and other types of DNA damaging diseases. Seafood is a great alternative to other meats. Not only do they have plenty of protein, but they have a ton of vitamins and minerals, some of which are

harder to find in certain foods. Fish oil, for example, has a multitude of benefits. It has omega-3s, which decreases the symptoms of depression, hypertension, ADHD, joint pain, arthritis, and some chronic skin ailments. It also helps with weight loss, fertility, and pregnancy, as well as increases energy. Eating some fish every week will help reduce your chances of suffering from a heart attack by nearly half. Eggs are a great source of protein. The protein is concentrated in the whites of the eggs. Some people prefer to eat only egg whites because of the protein that’s in them. Moreover, eggs have plenty of other nutrients, including vitamin B-2, selenium, vitamin D, zinc, iron, and copper. Selenium is important in keeping your immune system healthy. With weight loss, eggs can be an incredibly good for helping to keep you feeling full for a lot longer, as well as giving you energy. Biotin is a big thing in helping with metabolizing fat. This can be a hard thing for your body to do, so it’s good that there is something that can help with fat metabolism. Nuts and seeds other protein-filled foods. They can be added to your meals in many different ways, including on salads, in cereals, or just as a snack food. These are also filled with healthy mono and polyunsaturated fats, which are helpful for managing inflammation and the normal structure of your body. Fiber is also a big part of nuts and seeds. This is a great nutrient that helps keep your body feeling fuller for a lot longer, making these a great snack food. Beans and peas are some of the foods with protein and are among the best sources of protein for vegans and vegetarians. Most of the benefits from these foods are mentioned in the vegetable section. Processed soy products also are a good source of protein. They also have plenty of vitamins and minerals, like B-vitamins and iron. These are great for vegans and vegetarians. An example is tofu. The benefits of tofu include having eight essential amino acids. It has been shown to reduce the possibility of having prostate and breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, type-2 diabetes, age-related brain diseases, or liver damage. Some scientists have found that people who eat too many soy products can have issues later in life because of isoflavones,

which can lead to estrogen overload in both men and women and can cause a lot of problems. For those who choose not to eat meat at all, there are some plants that are fairly high in protein as well. Examples of foods that are rich in protein are the following: Meat

Ham, Lamb, Beef, Veal, Pork, Bison, Venison, Giblets, Liver

Poultry

Duck, Chicken, Turkey, Goose, Ground Turkey or Chicken

Seafood

Cod, Catfish, Haddock, Flounder, Herring, Halibut, Pollock, Mackerel, Salmon, Porgy, Sea Bass, Salmon, Swordfish, Snapper, Tuna, Trout, Clams. Crayfish, Crab, Scallops. Oysters, Mussels, Lobsters, Shrimp, Octopus, Anchovies, Sardines

Eggs

Chicken Eggs, Quail Eggs

Nuts and Seeds

Cashews, Almonds, Mixed Nuts, Hazelnuts, Peanuts, Pistachios, Pecans, Sesame Seeds, Pumpkin Seeds, Walnuts, Sunflower Seeds

Beans and Peas

Black Beans, Bean Burgers, Chick Peas, Black Eyed Peas, Soy Beans, Split Beans, Pinto Beans, Navy Beans, Lentils, Lima Beans

Processed Soy Products

Veggie Burgers, Tofu, Texturized Vegetable Protein, Tempeh

Grains

It's also important for adults to eat at least 5 to 7 ounces of grains each day. It would be best to eat whole grains, as they contain the highest amount of nutrients. Whole grains have tons of benefits, including having a reduced risk of stroke, heart attack, and type 2 diabetes. There are tons of nutrients in whole grains, all of which aid in keeping these things at bay. Iron is important in producing red blood cells and preventing anemia. Anemia can cause fatigue and reduce your energy by a lot, so making sure you have a proper amount of iron in your diet is crucial. Whole wheat pasta is a great source of fiber, which promotes digestive health and reduces the chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Refined grains do lose some of the benefits that whole grains have and don’t contain any fiber. However, they do have certain B-vitamins and iron, which are put back into the grains after they are refined. As long as an average adult still gets a good amount of fiber in his or her diet, consuming some refined grains is not the end of the world. Pastas are a great source of carbohydrates. These carbs will give you energy, helping you stay energized for a longer period of time. Selenium, which is a mineral that activates antioxidant enzymes to prevent molecular damage in your cells, is present in all types of pasta. Folate is very prominent in pasta as well, with about 42% of the required daily folate intake fulfilled by a serving of pasta. Breakfast cereals have tons of vitamins and minerals, but the amount changes depending on the type of breakfast cereal. Many cereals, including oatmeal and bran cereals, are rich in fiber. Corn flakes are rich in thiamine, which helps immensely with carbohydrate metabolism and energy production. While they might not be as high in fiber as some of the other cereals, they are high in iron. This is important to not only maintain healthy blood levels, but also to keep the brain alert. These include brown rice, pasta, oatmeal, and whole wheat cereal. Below is a grain chart for you with additional options. Whole Grains

Brown Rice, Amaranth, Millet, Bulgur, Buckwheat, Triticale, Popcorn, Oatmeal, Quinoa, Whole Grain

Cornmeal, Whole Grain Barley, Whole Wheat Pasta, Whole Wheat Crackers, Whole Wheat Rolls and Sandwich Buns, Wild Rice Refined Grains

Corn Tortillas, Cornbread, Crackers, Couscous, Grits, Flour Tortillas, Pitas, Noodles, White Bread, Pretzels, White Rice, White Sandwich Buns and Rolls

Pastas

Macaroni, Spaghetti

Breakfast Cereals

Muesli, Whole Wheat Cereal Flakes, Corn Flakes

Fruits

Fruits are always delicious and are great to eat as a snack or dessert. Adults should try to eat around 1 ½ to 2 cups of fruit each day, be it raw fruit or fruit juice. When it comes to fruits, some people think that daily consumption should be high. However, many people forget that there are natural sugars in these fruits. Vegetables should be more frequently eaten than fruits, but that doesn’t mean fruits should be forgotten. Everyone has heard the saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” and it is common knowledge that it isn’t entirely an old wives’ tale. Apples are full of antioxidants, which help fight off diseases and prevent future diseases. They are among the best fruits to eat, given that they do so many different things to help with your body. Berries are a little different. They are best known for their phytochemicals, which help prevent damage to the cells. The great thing about this is that berries can be eaten by the handful. Other fruits are generally eaten one at a time rather than in bunches, making berries a great snack food. This can also be a great food to help lower your cholesterol. Strawberries, red raspberries, and bilberries are the best berries for heart health. Melons are another type of fruit with some surprising benefits. They have little to no fat or saturated fat but have a lot of vitamins and minerals. Vitamins C and A are the most abundant vitamins in melons. Vitamin C is very important in giving you the essentials that you need for maintaining tissues and healing injuries. Vitamin A is important in keeping your immune system functioning well, keeping your teeth healthy, and helping your vision. Moreover, melons have some weight loss benefits, as they are a sweet, sugary dessert that isn’t at the same unhealthy level that other sugary sweets are. Fruit juice isn’t the first choice when it comes to getting your recommended fruit intake. Juice tends to have more sugars and things that you shouldn’t be drinking. However, 100% fruit juice is a good choice. This can be freshly squeezed, which is the best idea when it comes to drinking juice, as it comes directly from the fruit. Although consuming juice is a good idea, try to limit how much you drink. You don’t want to consume too much sugar. Take a look at the fruit chart below for more options.

Commonly Eaten Fruits

Apricots, Apples, Kiwis, Cherries, Bananas, Grapes, Nectarines, Mangoes, Limes, Lemon, Plums, Pineapples, Papaya, Pears, Tangerines, Raisins, Prunes, Oranges, Peaches

Berries

Raspberries, Strawberries, Blueberries

Melons

Honeydew, Cantaloupe, Watermelon

100% Fruit Juice

Grape, Apple, Orange, Grapefruit

Dairy

Three servings of dairy should be consumed daily. It would be best to choose fat-free or low-fat dairy to ensure that weight loss is achieved more effectively. Everyone knows that milk is a good source of calcium. Calcium, of course, helps with keeping bones strong and healthy. Right along with that, vitamin D is important in keeping good levels of calcium and phosphorus. This is found in milk, so you don’t have to worry about not having enough. There are many different kinds of cheese, all of which have different kinds of fat content. Some cheeses, like goat cheese, feta cheese, and blue cheese, have higher fat content than others. These cheeses have been given a lot of “fillers,” which add to their flavor but make them much more concentrated in fat. Other cheeses, such as part-skim mozzarella, parmesan, or grated Romano, are generally lower in fat. There are also low-fat and fat-free versions of different cheeses that are available to buy. Outside of the fat content, you’ll be getting plenty of vitamins and nutrients in any cheese. Yogurt is rapidly becoming a very popular option as a snack food or breakfast food. Any grocery store will be overrun with yogurt options in the dairy section. Yogurt, as it is made from milk, has all of the benefits of milk, including calcium, potassium, vitamin B-2, and vitamin B-12. Probiotics are another part of yogurt, which is something people are skeptical about. These are the good bacteria found in the digestive system. They help fight off infections by boosting the immune system. Yogurt also plays a role in reducing the chances of osteoporosis because of the calcium and vitamin D found in it. These two nutrients keep bones healthy and strong. Below are further examples of dairy sources. Milk

Low-Fat, Skim, Reduced Fat, Whole Milk, LactoseReduced, Lactose-Free, Flavored Milk (Strawberry, Chocolate)

Cheese

Mozzarella, Cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan, Cottage Cheese, Ricotta, American

Yogurt

Low-Fat, Fat-Free, Whole Milk Yogurt, Reduced Fat

Soy

Soy Milk, Soy Beverages

Milk-Based Desserts

Ice Milk, Pudding, Ice Cream, Frozen Yogurt

Oils

Again, this isn’t really a food group, but oils do have essential nutrients your body needs. Oils of any kind should be consumed in very small amounts; no more than 6 teaspoons of oil should be consumed by anybody. Many oils are full of monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats while being low in saturated fats. If the oil is plant based, such as olive oil, then it has no cholesterol. Some plant-based oils, such as coconut oil, are high in saturated fats, so be wary of how much oil you use when cooking or eating, as well as what kind you are using. There are also foods that are made up of lots of oil or have oil in them, such as mayonnaise, fish, and nuts. Just be aware of what you are consuming. Don’t try to have oil tossed and spread over every single thing you eat, and you’ll be fine. Below is a list of various oils that you can use and eat. Vegetable Oils

Canola Oil, Corn Oil, Olive Oil, Soybean Oil, Sunflower Oil, Peanut Oil, Cottonseed Oil

Salad dressings

Italian, Thousand Island, Vinaigrette, Ranch

Nuts

Peanuts, Mixed Nuts, Cashews, Almonds, Hazelnuts

Fruits

Avocado, Olives

Chapter 2: Dietary Guidelines

Control Calorie Intake

As a rule of thumb, if you control your calorie intake and burn the same amount of calories as you consume, your weight will be maintained at the same level. Although this generally makes good sense, there are several problems that may quickly be encountered here. In the first place, counting calories accurately can be complicated. It has been proven in several broadscale studies that people counting their calorie intake are notoriously bad at getting the figures right. We almost always tend to underestimate the calories we consume and overestimate the amount we burn. Moreover, not all calories are created equal. Some people will be able to develop a regime of balancing their exercise levels against their calorie intake and then either lose weight or maintain the weight they are targeting. It is definitely a good thing to have knowledge of calorific values so that we can have a rough idea of where we stand in terms of the amount of food we eat. However, it is just as important to reach a point in which we are eating a healthy diet that provides our daily energy needs without having to run through a convoluted calculation as to how much a particular food item weighs and how many calories it is going to provide. It would be simpler to ensure that you are eating a healthy, well-cooked diet of fresh vitamin-packed food rather than having to start with some grand calculation. Most people our grandparents’ age had no idea what their calorie intake was or even what it should be on a daily basis. Do you know, for example, how many calories you will burn in the course of a normal workday, or how much that figure would change if you were to jog for an hour? Hopefully, by the time you finish this book, you will have a clearer idea, but I am still not promoting constant calorie calculation, even with the help of modern calorie counting apps and calorie counting books that are currently available. Instead, I hope that by the time you have finished this book, you can look at an apple or vegetable and say, “I can eat that,” without worrying too much about what its calorie content is. At the same time, you ought to be staying away from that fast food outlet, except for the occasional odd treat. If weight loss is your goal, you should definitely focus on burning as many calories as you can to achieve your ideal weight. Take note that it is more

important to eat calories from protein rather than from carbohydrates. Your body also converts protein into energy, and this allows you to burn fat while staying energetic. Reducing calorie intake is important, and for your reference, there are a number of calorie counters online that you can download or use to keep track of the amount of calories you eat in each meal or dish. Also, remember to reduce the amount of calories you consume from added sugars, as these typically cause weight gain. Added sugars are usually found in carbonated drinks, energy drinks, sports drinks, desserts, fruit drinks, and candy. The best and most accurate way to burn calories is by working out. If you work out consistently, then you won’t need to worry quite as much about how many calories you take in. This way, you can stick with just worrying about eating healthy rather than counting your calories. Of course, just because you are burning the calories you’re eating doesn’t mean that you can get away with eating anything that you want. In fact, it’s the opposite. You’ll need to make sure that you only eat healthier foods if you want a better chance of losing weight and being healthy. There’s one more important thing to remember about calories: not only should you be taking in enough for how much you exercise or move, but you also have a certain amount you should eat each day depending on how tall you are, how old you are, and what gender you are. You should also make sure your target weight is healthy for someone of your particular demographic. Aiming to be 100 pounds when you are 5’7” or something of that manner simply isn’t healthy. Just make sure to check out what is best for you to become healthier.

On the Subject of Sugar

While we are here, it might be a good idea to take a look at some of the bad guys and how they got us into this mess in the first place. We will also look into how to avoid them. Over the next 10 years, we will see the escalation of the war on added sugar, which is now recognized as a health threat on par with tobacco. The sugar industry is already starting to put up a fight to defend their business in much the same way that the tobacco industry did; only this time, they have been able to learn from the mistakes made by the big tobacco companies. Experts now believe that sugar can easily become a complete addictive substance in much the same way as drugs are. In an experiment conducted by French scientists in Bordeaux, it was discovered that rats chose sugar rather than cocaine, even when they were addicted to cocaine. Sugar was first cultivated by man on the island of New Guinea some 10 000 years ago. During that time, it was simply picked and eaten raw. It gradually spread and is believed to have reached mainland Asia about 1000 B.C. It was carried by the conquering Arab caliphs, and as their power spread, sugar use spread, too. Once the British and French discovered it, demand soared, and the slave trade was born. The reason I have touched briefly on the history of sugar is to show how recently it became a part of the human diet. In the 1700s, the average Englishman consumed four pounds per year. By 1800, that amount soared to 18 pounds, but that was just the start. Come 1870, an English commoner would have been eating around 47 seven pounds per year, which then leapt to 100 pounds per year in just 30 years. Today, the average American consumes 77 pounds of added sugar. What is the consequence of this colossal sugar addiction of ours? One-third of adults have high blood pressure, and 347 million suffer from diabetes. Early nutrition experts who were first to start raising the alarm bell about the devastating effects of sugar on our health were simply drowned out by those blaming high cholesterol for the modern afflictions of obesity and heart disease. Over the last 20 years, fat consumption in the U.S. has gone down, but obesity levels are going up faster than ever. American endocrinologist Robert Lustig says, “It has nothing to do with calories. Sugar is a poison by itself when consumed in high doses.”

Here is the real catch: sugar is really difficult to avoid, especially if you eat fast food and ready meals, because it is an essential ingredient used by the food industry to add taste. Taste is even more necessary if the fat levels of meals have been lowered to persuade people that they are eating something healthy. Lustig goes on to say, “An analysis of 175 countries over the past decade showed that when you look for the cause of type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes, the total number of calories you consume is irrelevant. It’s the specific calories that count. When people ate 150 calories every day, the rate of diabetes went up by 0.1 percent. However, if those calories came from a can of fizzy drink, the rate went up to 1.1 percent. Added sugar is 11 times more potent in causing diabetes than general calories.” There are complicated scientific reasons for this, and the whole of science will be in dispute for years to come, but reducing sugar intake appears to be crucial not only for weight loss, but for overall health as well. The average 12-ounce can of soda contains 10 teaspoons of sugar. If you consider that some people consume two or three such drinks during the course of a day, is it any wonder that obesity has reached the levels that it has? When looking at foods to eat, it’s pretty obvious that you should find the foods that have less sugar. Any foods that have no sugar added are even better. Anything that you might want to add sugar to should not have any sugar in the first place. This way, you won’t be eating too much sugar.

The Role of the Food Industries

As previously mentioned, the food industry plays a crucial role in what we eat. Between 1977 and 2000, sugar intake in the United States doubled, yet sales of granulated sugar remained the same or even dropped. In short, we have been getting our sugar somewhere else. Eighty percent of the food items for sale in the average supermarket contain added sugar. This may come in one or two different forms, but the most popular is high-fructose corn syrup. It is the fructose in sugars that our bodies have a problem processing. When you eat an apple, it contains high quantities of fructose, but it is accompanied by fiber, such that it is processed via the stomach. Refined sugars are sent directly to the liver, which soon becomes overloaded and is forced to store those sugars as fat – most commonly, belly fat. With sugar estimated to be eight times more addictive than cocaine, we soon find ourselves in a position in which our craving for sugar skyrockets, and the vicious cycle begins. Our bodies store the sugar as fats. We become less energetic and move less, and as a result, we process the whole food we do eat less efficiently. The U.S. government has tried to reign in the food industry several times, but every time this happens, companies immediately cry “nanny state” or “government attack on our freedom to choose.” These food giants have a huge amount of clout. They throw huge budgets at advertising campaigns promoting the health advantages of their products, yet they have firmly resisted giving clear labels as to how much sugar our supermarket products contain. In 1950, the first links to lung cancer were proven, but it took another 50 years of denial on the part of the tobacco industry before we began to see real change in the way cigarettes were marketed. This will be the first generation in the United States where children will have a shorter life expectancy than their parents did. Can we afford to wait another 50 years before we get a grip on the amount of additives in our food?

It All Starts with the Kids

A significant percentage of the food industry advertising budget is directed toward our children. After all, if you can hook them and cause them to become addicted while they are young, then chances are that companies will have a customer for life. The food that our children are served in school cafeterias is rarely of the quality that it should be, and the contracts to supply those cafeterias are normally held by big players in the industry. The ban on tobacco advertising resulted in a 50% reduction in high school smokers over 20 years. Is it not time that the advertising of high-sugar foods to our kids be banned as well? In fact, legislation pertaining to advertising to children is not as strict as advertising to adults. It is in our children that we are seeing the fastest rise in obesity levels, particularly in poorer communities. Several attempts to ban or reduce advertising targeting young people have been overturned. The lobby groups in the food industry know where their long-term client base lies. Type 2 diabetes used to be known as adult-onset diabetes, but that term became outdated when an increasing number of young children began to become obese. Doctors understand the methods used to treat diabetes in adults, but treating this new young and obese generation will take them into unchartered territory as they now begin treating people over nearly the entire course of their lives. As parents, you should make sure to keep your kids as far from those unhealthy foods as possible. They can have candy every so often and have other things on occasion, but it should never be every day. Starting when they are very young, you should aim to have your kids eating healthy foods. It doesn’t have to be the same five foods over and over again, but it does need to be foods that they will enjoy. Give your children a huge variety of foods to try. Also, you should limit their exposure to ads on TV, especially when they are very young. This will keep their minds off of food that they might see on TV and only on the foods that you make for them. They will be less tempted to try something unhealthy they saw if they never saw it in the first place.

So Where Do We Go From Here?

We may be marketed to very aggressively, but we can still choose to eat healthy foods if we want to. Most of the salt and sugar we eat come in the form of real food that is engineered. If we go back to real food, we suddenly find our sugar and salt levels dropping dramatically, and that is not to say anything about colorings and preservatives. The food industry would have us believe that buying real meat and vegetables is going to hurt our budgets, but considerable research is now proving that this is simply not true. Where food companies are at an advantage is that they sell convenience. Real food needs to be cooked or prepared in some way, whereas much of the prepared food we are sold simply needs to be popped into a microwave for a few minutes, and a lot of fast food does not even require that. The single most powerful thing you can do to improve both your health and that of your family is to develop a passion for home cooking. Sure, you are busy, and you have had a hard day at work, but isn’t the health of your family more important? During the course of this book, I will show you several ways to make home cooking easier and more fun. We will also give you some easy, quick-toprepare recipes that are not only healthy, but can also be stored to warm up on those days when you simply don’t want to spend a long time cooking. These are only examples, however, and this is not a cookbook. There are thousands of healthy eating cookbooks on the market, as well as dozens of programs on television. Why don’t you try eliminating all processed food from your diet for just one week and see how much better you feel? Hopefully, after that, you will be on the road to continuing a healthy lifestyle.

Choose Macro-Nutrients

The literal definition of a macro-nutrient is any substance that a living organism needs in large quantities. Animals that are carnivores need more protein, as their diet is primarily meat. For omnivores, they have a plantbased diet. Then, there are omnivores, like humans. They need a mix of both meat and plants to have a healthy diet. Therefore, the macro-nutrients that an omnivore needs will be much more than what other species need, given that they need a mix of plants and meat. Dogs are another example of an omnivore, as their diet is a mix of plants and meat. However, they can’t be deprived of meat, even if they are an omnivore. This can cause many issues in their body, as the food they should be eating needs to have a balance. Cats, however, are mainly of carnivores. They can’t go without eating meat, as they need more meat than any other food to survive. Simply put, macro-nutrients are a combination of fat, protein, and carbohydrates. If you are trying to lose weight, it is important that you eat 1 to 1.5 grams of protein, less than a gram of carbohydrates, and around 0.5 to 2.5 grams of fat per pound of your bodyweight per day. As an example, someone weighing 150 lbs would need to eat 150 to 225 grams of protein, less than 150 grams of carbohydrates, and between 75 and 375 grams of fat each day.

Go Easy on Sodium

Salt is another of those additives that are eating way too much of for our own good, but most of what we do eat does not come from that small quantity we choose to sprinkle over our meals. It is recommended that we consume no more than 2.3 milligrams of salt per day. In the US, the average daily intake is 3.4 milligrams. This excessive intake can lead to high blood pressure, stroke, osteoporosis, and even asthma. Sodium, as you might guess, holds more liquid in your body. This, in turn, causes a lot of strain on your heart, making it possible for you to suffer from a heart attack. Along with the heart, it can also damage the aorta, which is the major artery leading to your heart, the kidneys, and also the bones. An increase in your sodium intake might not make your blood pressure go up, but that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. There are many other issues that can arise from a huge amount of salt intake. In the United Kingdom alone, it is estimated that 85% of daily salt intake comes from that added by the food industry. In the United States, similar figures are showing up. The food industry knows that we like the taste of salt, and they are out to make sure we don’t lose the taste for it either. Here are a few common food items that add to the excess salt we are consuming: Bread: ½ gram per slice Biscuits: ½ gram per two biscuits Canned Soup: 3 grams Pizza: 2.5 grams Many processed meats are high in sodium, and those products have now been found to have strong links to cancer. It is important to read labels to see how much sodium you are about to buy, but the best choice are those labels that say sodium-free. You can then add your own salt according to your own taste and in quantities that you know are healthy. Our taste buds are conditioned for high quantities of salt, which is why we like fast food so much. It is possible to wean yourself off of salt; just do it

gradually. To give food a little bit of extra taste, try adding dried herbs, curry, or ginger. Some great specific spices or dried herbs to add to your dishes include basil, thyme, cumin, chili powder, rosemary, red pepper flakes, cinnamon, and oregano. Basil is more frequently added to pasta sauces. It has a great flavor that will definitely bring out the Italian taste you might want in your pasta. Thyme is often seen as a flavoring on fish fillets, but it also is frequently added to chicken. It has a bit of an earthy taste to it and can really make your dish stand out. Cumin is used in a lot of different foods, including chicken, ground meat, and vegetables. If you’re a big chili lover, then you’ve found the perfect thing to add to your chili dish to make it the best it can be. Chili powder is frequently paired with cumin in a dish. Of course, you’ll be putting chili powder in chili. It wouldn’t really be chili without it. It gives any dish a nice little kick, so if you ever have a dish that you want to have some heat, sprinkle some chili powder. Rosemary is a great dried herb to use just before grilling or roasting some meat and potatoes. It is frequently seen in potatoes, especially roasted ones. Red pepper flakes are in the same vein as chili powder. If you want a little kick in your dish, you might decide that red pepper flakes are the way to go. If you get a bite with a red pepper flake in it, you’ll know. This is also a great spice to add to any spice rub, as long as you want a little heat. Plus, you don’t need to go overboard to get that kick you’re looking for. Cinnamon might seem like a strange choice for some people, but it can be that little sweetener you’ve been looking for. It doesn’t even need to be something super exciting. You can add it to yogurt for some flavor, especially if you have some plain vanilla Greek yogurt. Add some fruit chunks, and you’ve got a great snack food. Adding cinnamon to a savory dish is also possible. Maybe you want to make spaghetti that has a little bit of a sweet side. Sprinkle a little cinnamon in, and notice the change. Finally, there is oregano, which is another great Italian dish herb. Adding some oregano to any pasta dish will work out and make it taste even better. Garlic bread can always use some oregano, and the same goes with some vegetables, especially if you’re having an Italian-style dinner.

It's Okay to Eat Fat

If there is one food source that has been given a bad rap over the last 30 or 40 years, it has to be fat. Sure, too much of the wrong fats – too much of any fat for that matter – can be bad for you, but fat is not the big bad guy it has been made out to be. We have been fed decades of anti-fat, low-fat, and fat-free propaganda over the years. Much of that propaganda comes via the food industry, which discovered a neat little trick. Knock out the fat, add sugar to give the food some taste, and sell it back to consumers at a higher price as a healthy alternative. The fact of the matter is that we need fat in our diet. Fat provides us with essential fatty acids, helps keep our skin soft, and provides fat-soluble vitamins. More importantly, fat provides us with energy. Somehow, we have bought into the notion that eating fat and being fat amount to the same thing. We cannot function for more than a few days without eating fat. Humans have been eating fats for a lot longer than they have been eating carbohydrates, but they have always been lean. It is only the last few decades that there has been a sudden growth in our waistlines. Until recently, the argument has been that the massive global weight gains we have seen came about because of the failure to control our willpower, and the assumption is that if we simply retake control of that willpower, we will become thin again. Anyone who has ever tried to diet and then maintain the weight loss will soon tell you that it is not quite that easy. Something has gone wrong somewhere with the way we eat, and simple self-control is not the answer. Let’s take a look at the appestat. The appestat is a part of the human brain believed to control body weight. In short, this small part of our anatomy controls appetite, and it does so by regulating food intake. That appestat is sated by clean healthy fats, but it becomes confused when exposed to fats and sugars in processed food that provide calories but no nutrients. In short, it is looking for nutrients, and when it does not find any or does not find enough, you remain hungry. That is why it is so difficult to eat just one chocolate cookie or one potato chip. As long as you’re eating the right kinds of fat, then there's nothing wrong with it. Mono-saturated and poly-saturated fats are both good fats, and you should eat foods that are rich in them. Fat is actually an energy source that is

good for your body, especially in the absence or reduction of carbohydrates. Fats also make up cell membranes and are important in the regeneration or reproduction of cells, as well as in muscle and joint recovery. The best kinds of fat include those that are full of Omega-3 and Omega-6 acids, such as tuna and salmon, because they activate your body's fat-burning genes and give your body better fat storage. You should take note that around 10% of your daily calorie intake must come from fats. This will be easy because full-fat dairy products, peanut butter, and most animal products all have good fats in them. More examples of foods rich in good fats can be found on the chart below. Mono-Saturated Fats

Canola Oil, Olive Oil, Peanut Oil, Sunflower Oil, Olives, Avocados, Peanut Butter, Hazelnut, Cashews, Pecans, Macadamia Nuts, Almonds

Poly-Saturated Fats Corn Oil, Soybean Oil, Walnuts, Safflower Oil, Flax seed, Tuna, Salmon, Mackerel, Sardines, Trout, Herring Meanwhile, some examples of bad fats are shown below. Saturated Fats

Chicken with skin, High-fat portions of beef, chicken, or pork, Cheese, Butter, Ice cream, Lard, Palm oil, Coconut oil

Trans-Fats

Chips, Packaged popcorn, Crackers, Commercially baked doughnuts, Pastries, Cakes, Muffins, Pizza dough, Vegetable shortening, Stick margarine, Candy bars, French fries, Chicken nuggets, Fried chicken, Breaded fish

It's Okay to Have a Cheat Day Leptin is something that is produced by your fat cells. When your leptin levels are sufficient for the amount of energy you need, then your brain will be signaled, telling you that you don’t need to eat anymore. It’s a little different when you are dieting. Many diets restrict calories. This means that every day, you are restricting your body from receiving the leptin that it needs. Your body won’t think you are getting the energy that you need for proper survival, so it can cause you to have a day where you eat a lot more than you should, also known as binging. Even if you’ve been eating a good amount of food and getting the nutrients you need, your leptin levels might not be where they should be. However, if you have a cheat day once a week, then you won’t have to worry about a time in the future where you will be uncontrollably binging.

If you allow yourself a day of eating burgers, fries, pizza, and chocolate, you'll be keener on making sure that you eat clean again the following days. Just be sure you don’t go overboard with the amount of calories you consume. Having a cheat day will also burn more calories by boosting your metabolism. This is due to your thyroid hormones. The more that you restrict calories, the slower your metabolism will go. With a slower metabolism, the chances of losing weight start to go way down. This cheat day might be exactly what your body needs to keep going and losing weight. As long as you are eating clean throughout the week, this increase in calories will actually burn fat and have you looking forward to the next cheat day again. Remember to do this only once each week!

Don't Starve Yourself

Skipping meals to lose weight does not work! Some people think that if they skip meals, then they are helping themselves lose weight faster. The thing is, if you skip meals or starve yourself, you’re actually slowing down your metabolism, which means that your body stores fat instead of burning it. If your body doesn’t know when its next meal is coming, it will hold on to the fat it has in case energy is needed. Starving yourself has no fat loss benefits and is not healthy in any way, so just don’t do it. Doing this a few times might make you think that you’re losing weight, but you really aren’t. It can lead to anorexia or any other combination of eating disorders. Moreover, the more that your body doesn’t get the nutrients it needs, the more likely it might start breaking down the muscle in your body to give it some energy. Not eating only leads to issues with your body; it doesn’t help you lose weight in a healthy way.

Know More about the Glycemic Index

The glycemic index is a means of measuring the effect of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. It’s important to eat foods with low glycemic index because they keep your blood sugar levels balanced. Moreover, the body is able to burn these foods efficiently to give you the right amount of energy. Meanwhile, foods with high glycemic index cause a spike in your blood sugar levels, thus forcing your body to go into a fat-storing phase. These are the foods you want to avoid. Take a look at the chart below, which provides a sample of commonly eaten foods. Low GI (less than 55)

Apple, Broccoli, Cherries, Grapefruit, Orange, Pear, Tomatoes

Medium GI (56 to 69)

Banana, Brown Rice, Oatmeal, Popcorn, Sweet Potato, White Rice, Whole Wheat Bread

High GI (70 and up)

Bagel, Doughnuts, Rice Cakes, Pretzels, Watermelon, White Bread, White Potatoes

Read Nutrition Labels

It’s extremely important to read nutrition labels or “nutrition facts” on food packages. Understanding what makes up the food that you eat is important. Knowing if you are eating the right amount of nutrients or if what you’ve bought is high in calories or high in sodium is extremely helpful. Knowing how to read nutrition labels will go a long way in helping you reach your weight loss goals. In the next chapter, you will learn more about reading nutrition labels.

Chapter 3: Reading Nutrition Labels Reading nutrition labels is not only good for you and your own needs, but it is also good when you are cooking for other people. If you know someone has a gluten-free diet, you’ll need to make sure you get something without any gluten. The same goes for anyone who might have a food allergy, as those are stated around the ingredients list just below the nutrition label on most food packages. This is also helpful when you are looking at food for your pets. The labels aren’t exactly the same, but knowing how to read a regular nutrition label can still help. Here’s what you need to know about reading nutrition labels.

Number of Servings and Serving Sizes

Take note that nutritional facts are mostly based on one serving only. Always check the serving size to know how many servings you are going to consume. This means that the bigger the serving, the higher the calories. Along with that, you need to know how many servings would be you would approximately be consuming. Take a bag of chips, for example. Usually, at the top of the label, it will tell you how many chips make up a single serving. From there, you’ll know just how much sodium you’ll be eating from a serving size of 11 chips, for example. Most people eat more than 11 chips, of course, but you can still get a general idea of how much sodium you’ll be consuming based on how many chips you are eating. When you are comparing nutrients and calories between two different food brands, always review the serving sizes to ensure that they are based on the same measurement. Many brands will have slightly different serving sizes, but as long as you are comparing two things that are the same, you should get a good idea of the differences in nutrition.

Pay Attention to the Number of Calories

The “Calories” label under “Amount per Serving” is where you will see the number of calories the product has per serving. You’ll also see the number of calories from fat here. Take note that even if something is fat-free, it doesn’t mean that it’s also free from calories. Even if a product is low-fat, it may have the same number of calories as other products, so always check the number of calories in the label. One thing to keep in mind is that just because something has a lot of calories, it doesn’t mean that you are eating badly. You should be more concerned about how many of those calories come from fat. If a lot of the calories are from fat, then you might want to steer clear of that product. Alternatively, you might check whether another brand has that product with less calories from fat. Then, you’ll still be able to get the food you want, but it will be a lot better for you. Calories are not inherently bad. What is bad is consuming too many calories every day and not burning enough of them off. If you mix that with a lot of calories from fat, you might notice some weight staying on your body. If, however, you work out regularly, you can get away with eating things that have a lot of calories. Of course, you also need to balance that out with eating healthy things as well, given that you can’t quickly and easily lose weight by eating junk all the time, no matter how much you work out. As an example, a product lists that there are 100 calories per 3 candy bars. This means that when you eat 6 candy bars, you consumed 2 servings, and thus, you have consumed twice the amount of calories.

The %Dv is Your Friend

%Dv or the percentage of Dietary Value that each nutrient gives is essential for you to know how much of each nutrient you should consume daily to live a healthy life. If you want to use this most effectively, you’ll need to make sure that you record the %Dv of all that you consume each day. If any nutrients go over 100, then you’ll know you’re consuming more than you need to. You should try to keep it as close to 100 as possible. This is also a great way to find out if you’re not consuming enough of any particular nutrient. Anemia is very common and can be prevented by making sure you’re taking in enough iron. If you are consistently not consuming enough every day, you should find ways to add to it. There are plenty of foods that can help you take in more iron every day. Just to make sure that you are consuming enough nutrients, be sure to look at the nutrition label!

Look for Products that are Rich in Calcium, Iron, and Vitamins A and C

Most adults do not get enough of these vitamins and minerals through their daily food consumption. It would be extremely beneficial if you choose products that are rich in these vitamins and minerals. The best way to make sure you are getting enough is by simply finding foods that have a good mix of these nutrients. There are tons of foods out there that can give you everything you need, so make sure to look at the nutrition labels.

Choose Good Fats

Again, it’s alright to consume fats just as long as they are the right kinds of fats. Choose foods that are low in cholesterol, saturated fat, and trans-fat. As often as possible, replace saturated fats with mono or poly-saturated fats to lower your blood cholesterol levels. Some products list trans-fat as having 0%Dv, but it would be best to consume only a little or truly eliminate them from your diet because trans-fat lowers the amount of good cholesterol, which makes you susceptible to heart diseases. Take note that the %Dv for total fat is the computation of all the kinds of fat in one product.

Check the Sodium Content

This is definitely an important thing to check. A lot of foods have salt that’s already been added in, and some foods can have a ton of salt. An average adult should be consuming no more than 2,300 milligrams a day. Some packaged foods can have over 1,000 milligrams in them already, especially if it’s a frozen dinner type of food. Therefore, you should find lower sodium foods by not only making your own dinners from scratch, but also cutting out canned and processed foods as much as possible. Some foods have the sodium content on the front of the package, so you might not even have to look specifically at the nutrition label to find what you need. At the same time, it’s always helpful to look at the label anyway. You might find that it’s not as bad as you originally thought.

Weight Management

It might not come as much of a shock, but knowing how to read nutrition labels can help you maintain your weight. If you keep track of how much saturated and trans-fat you are eating every day, this can help you lessen your fat intake. Moreover, you can find exactly what foods you need to eat in order to lose weight in the most effective way. Foods that are high in nutrients and low in fat and calories are great ones to eat. Even though calorie counting is what most people do when going on a diet, it really is not very effective. Eating something low in calories doesn’t mean you are eating healthy. When you think about it, something could have very few calories, but a lot of those calories are from fat. However, eating a proper diet that is a mixture of all the good things you need will ensure better results.

Go for Healthy Carbohydrates

Remember that fiber and sugar are also carbohydrate sources. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and beans are carbohydrates, but they are good in reducing the risk of heart disease. Moreover, they improve the way your digestive system works. You’ll know that something is considered “whole” or is part of the “whole foods” group if it says so in the ingredient list. Examples include whole oats, whole wheat rice, and whole wheat bread. While there is no %Dv for sugar, you can check how much sugar there is in one product by comparing it with other brands and looking for “sugar content.” Try to limit your intake of foods that include added sugars. Examples of added sugars include corn syrup, fructose, glucose, maple syrup, and sucrose. All these sugars do is add calories to your diet without adding any nutritional benefits. You might notice that there are very few foods now that don’t have corn syrup in some capacity. High-fructose corn syrup is in many different foods because it’s cheap to make and is an easy additive to food. However, that doesn’t mean it’s healthy. High-fructose corn syrup is a variation of sugar, but it is much sweeter. It is also in a lot of foods at a higher amount than regular sugar usually is. Look at any label of a food that has this additive, and you’ll notice that many times, it is the very first ingredient. Sugar in large amounts is already very unhealthy, so having something like this is almost worse. Given that it is in so many different foods, trying to find foods without it is hard. Although it would be better to go without, a good first step is finding the foods where it is not the first ingredient but lower down the ingredient list.

Protein May Be Essential, But You Should Still Go for Low-Fat

Always choose products that are lean, fat-free, or low-fat to be able to maximize protein intake and to ensure that fats are burned or converted into energy. When you take a piece of chicken, there shouldn’t be very much fat on the chicken itself if it is low-fat or lean. It’s very easy to tell for chicken, because the fat is white. If it is a meat where you can easily see the fat, then you should make sure to look at it before you purchase it. Steak is a wonderful source of protein, but not all steak cuts are the same. Some of them will have a lot more fat than others. The leanest cuts include various round cuts and top sirloin. You can always double check any cut of steak by seeing if there is a lot of white fat on it. The less there is, the better. For something like chicken, it’s best to go without the skin. The skin holds a lot of fat, so it isn’t the best idea to eat chicken skin when you are trying to lose weight. Even if you can’t buy skinless chicken, you can always take the skins off before cooking. Moreover, the healthiest part of the chicken is the breast, so try to get skinless chicken breasts if you can.

Look at the List of Ingredients

Of course, when reading a nutrition label, this is probably very obvious. However, it can be an easy way to see if the product is healthy to eat or not right away. If the first ingredient is high-fructose corn syrup or sugar, for example, then you know that it isn’t a healthy product. Ingredients are typically listed in order from the main or most used ingredient to the ingredient with the smallest amount in the product. Picking a product that has a natural ingredient first will always be the healthier choice. If you are looking for a bottled tea from the store, as an example, and the first ingredient is syrup or sugar, that’s not a good brand. Pick one that has water or brewed tea as the first ingredient. Again, this may all be obvious, but it’s good to mention because it will save you time at the grocery store because you won’t have to read so many labels all the way through! You’d be shocked at how many products don’t have a natural ingredient listed first. Keep these things in mind to make better, healthier choices the next time you visit your grocery store.

Chapter 4: The Right Vitamins and Minerals Aside from keeping the foods mentioned earlier in mind, take note that in order to lose weight while still feeling energetic, you need to consume foods that are rich in the right kinds of vitamins and minerals. Consuming enough nutrients to fuel your body is incredibly important, as many vitamins and minerals are a part of major systems within your body. When you are eating healthier, make sure you are still consuming enough vitamins and minerals. When you reduce how much food you eat, you have a higher chance of not getting all the nutrients your body needs. There are many types of vitamins and minerals that you should be consuming on a regular basis. In this chapter, you will learn more about these substances.

Vitamin A

Vitamin A is important in helping you maintain normal vision and in keeping the eyes, teeth, skin, and skeletal system healthy. It also helps regenerate cells and tissues that will enable you to live a better and healthier life. Vitamin A is also crucial in keeping your immune system strong and healthy. It is a regulator of many of the genes that work to fight conditions as simple as colds and those as complicated as cancer. If you are deficient in vitamin A, you’ll likely notice that you are sick a lot more often than other people who are consuming enough of this vitamin. This can also help reduce the chances of having some food allergies. It is a natural anti-inflammatory agent – one that specifically affects the inflammation that occurs during a food allergy. While this can’t reverse the effects of a food allergy, it might prevent some allergies from occurring. It has also been found to reduce the chances of acquiring a degenerative disease, such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s. Examples of foods rich in vitamin A include: Baked Eel Beef Liver Skimmed Milk Pickled Herring Goat Cheese 1 Large Egg Salmon Canned Pumpkin Sweet Potato Chopped raw Kale Raw Carrots Spinach Butternut Squash Raw Cantaloupe

Dried Apricots Cooked Spinach

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is essential in producing enzymes that convert protein into energy to help you lose weight quickly. It also helps you maintain normal red and white blood cell levels, as well as reduces the risk of heart disease and anemia. Vitamin B6 likewise synthesizes neurotransmitters that are responsible for carrying brain signals from one nerve to the other. This also acts as a natural pain treatment, specifically for fibroids in the uterus, which can be incredibly painful. Many B vitamins are useful in making this pain much more manageable. It can also be used to help boost your mood. It helps stimulate the production of serotonin and norepinephrine, which are two hormones that help boost your mood. Finally, vitamin B6 can also create antibodies, which help fight off many different illnesses that you might acquire. You might notice a deficiency if you’ve observed a change in your mood towards irritability, anxiety, depression, lack of energy, confusion, worsening PMS symptoms, muscle pains, or confusion. These things won’t happen instantly, but if you notice many of these things, then you should definitely see if you are deficient in vitamin B6. Foods rich in vitamin B6 include: All-bran Cereal Yellow Fin Tuna Soy-based Vegetarian Meat Canned Tuna Sunflower Seeds Chicken or Turkey Liver Boneless and Skinless Chicken Breast 1 medium Banana Cooked Venison Cooked Salmon Cooked Trout Cooked Lentils

Baked Potato (Skin Intact) Chopped Red Bell Pepper Cooked Chickpeas Instant Cooked Oatmeal

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is also responsible for converting protein and fats into energy, which can be used in ensuring that the skin, eyes, and teeth are healthy. It is also essential in ensuring the health of nerve cells and in producing genetic material, such as DNA. It is used as a protective cover on the nerves, keeping them from harm as much as possible. Vitamin B12 is also important in digestion and heart health. The amino acid homocysteine is regulated by how much vitamin B12 is in your system. This amino acid, when levels are elevated, can be dangerous, so keeping it in check with vitamin B12 is important. Vitamin B12 is also important in making sure a pregnancy is healthy and goes without any issues. Given that it is a building block for DNA, it makes sense that a deficiency in vitamin B12 can cause a pregnancy not to work properly. Foods rich in vitamin B12 include: Cooked Beef Liver Canned Sardines Cooked Mackerel Black or Red Caviar Cooked Pork Kidney 1 cup Soy Beverage 1 Bran Raisin Cereal 1 cup Cottage Cheese 3 oz Ground Beef 1 cup Skimmed Milk 3 oz Cooked Ham 1 cup Homo Milk 1 cup Plain Yogurt Soy-based Vegetarian Meat

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is often regarded as one of the most important nutrients for the human body. It is used in so many different aspects of your body and is crucial to your overall health. There have actually been studies conducted to suggest that the amount you should be getting daily is higher than what you might physically be able to get. You can’t eat the amount of fruits and vegetables that you would need every day that would bring your vitamin C levels up to where they should be. Therefore, if you want to get the full benefits of vitamin C, it would be best to take a daily supplement that would bring you up to 500 milligrams a day. This is a great antioxidant, which means that it helps in the production and regeneration of cells. It also helps in making your skin look beautiful, and it gives you that radiant glow. It is essential to the anti-aging process, and it has great anti-inflammatory benefits that help protect you against cold, cough, and flu. You definitely want to make sure you’re getting enough vitamin C if you want to fight off any illnesses you might have. It is important in the proper development of your bones, gums, and blood vessels. It is also a crucial vitamin for prenatal development, so any expecting mothers should make sure they have plenty of vitamin C in their bodies. Examples of foods rich in vitamin C include: Broccoli ½ cup Guava ½ cup Sliced Kiwi Red raw Bell Peppers, chopped Green raw Bell Peppers, chopped ½ cup mashed Papaya ½ cup Lychee 4 cups Brussels Sprouts Cooked ½ Grapefruit ½ cup Navel Orange ½ cup sliced Strawberries

Raw Cabbage ½ cup Pineapple Chunks

Vitamin D

Vitamin D works mainly for the proper growth of bones and teeth. It also regulates calcium and phosphate levels in the blood and helps maintain proper cell growth and neuro-muscular function. With the right calcium and phosphate levels, proper immune system function is maintained. With the proper amount of vitamin D, you can have more protection against certain diseases. If you don’t get the proper amount of vitamin D, it can lead to issues like soft or fragile bones (osteomalacia or osteoporosis). Vitamin D can also protect you from diseases like multiple sclerosis and heart disease. If you have depression, vitamin D might alleviate some of your symptoms. It has been shown to help regulate your mood, which helps with depression and anxiety. As for weight loss, there have been a few studies done to see whether vitamin D can help in any way. In one study, those taking vitamin D saw a small amount of weight loss, but it wasn’t anything significant. Another study gave a group both vitamin D and calcium. This group had more significant results, as the mix of vitamin D and calcium seemed to have an appetite repressing effect. Overall, vitamin D is an important vitamin that you need plenty of. Foods rich in vitamin D include: 1 can Tuna, drained Baked Salmon 1 cup Cow’s Milk 2 pieces Pacific Sardines, in Tomato Sauce Soy or Almond Milk Low-fat Yogurt 1 cup Orange Juice 1 tbsp Margarine 1 Large Egg 1 cup Breakfast Cereal

1 cup raw Mushroom Slices

Vitamin E

Vitamin E is a great antioxidant that protects the body from being damaged by free radicals to prevent disease and cancer. It also protects the skin from ultraviolet rays that cause skin damage and skin cancer. If you have had high cholesterol or if you come from a family that generally has high cholesterol, you might consider upping your intake of vitamin E. It has a balancing effect and stops cholesterol from oxidizing, which is what makes it increase. Given that it fights inflammation, it is a great natural way to boost your immune system. Moreover, it is a natural anti-aging nutrient. It can protect your skin from premature wrinkles and any damage that you might get throughout the years. Along with that, it can help heal your skin from sunburns, scars, and acne. If you’ve always had naturally thin hair, consuming more vitamin E might help thicken it, giving you the thick hair you’ve always wanted. It can also help keep your scalp from getting dry and flaky – something many people have to deal with, especially during winter. Vitamin E is a natural hormone balancer. It can help regulate your menstrual period, especially if it is being addled by your hormones. Another hormonal imbalance might cause you to have unnecessary weight gain. This can be especially stressful, but having a good amount of vitamin E might change that, making it possible to regulate your weight instead of it regulating you. Examples of foods rich in vitamin E are as follows: ¼ cup Peanuts ¼ cup Almonds ¼ cup Sunflower Seeds 1 tsp Wheat Germ Oil 2 tbsp Almond Butter ½ cup Canned Tomato Sauce ½ cup Cooked Spinach ¼ cup Pine Nuts ¼ cup Toasted Wheat Germ Cereal

½ cup Cooked Turnip Greens ½ cup Cooked Swiss Chard 1 tsp Sunflower Oil

Vitamin K

Vitamin K helps in synthesizing proteins so they can be used as energy. This also helps burn fat. Vitamin K prevents blood clots. Of course, this doesn’t mean that it never allows your blood to clot. It regulates it to clot only when it needs to and makes sure that you don’t have any sort of bad blood clot, like a stroke. Along with this, vitamin K is essential for building strong bones. It is crucial for preventing the calcification of arteries and other soft tissues. This is when calcium builds up in places where it isn’t supposed to. While some of this calcification is normal, not all of it is. It can cause major issues in some cases, disrupting normal organ functions and getting in the way of blood vessels. Vitamin K can help regulate this and stop this from happening in places where it shouldn’t. A vitamin K deficiency can lead to defective blood clotting, increased bleeding, and osteoporosis. This blood clotting might be more severe or might not happen at all. If it doesn’t happen, you might bleed too much. The opposite can also occur, which can cause a number of different issues. There are three different types of vitamin K. K1 and K2 have been shown to be the most effective in preventing certain cancers. K2 seems to be the most effective in terms of most issues vitamin K takes care of, including protection against heart disease and osteoporosis. K3 is not a recommended vitamin. It has been shown to have some levels of toxicity and should thus be avoided. Foods rich in vitamin K include: 1 cup raw Turnip Greens ½ cup cooked Brussels Sprouts 1 cup raw Swiss Chard ½ cup raw Parsley 1 cup raw Kale 1 tbsp Canola Oil ½ cup raw Scallions 1 tbsp Soybean Oil

1 cup raw Romaine Lettuce ½ cup raw Broccoli 1 cup raw Collard Greens

Calcium

While it may be fully regulated in the body, it is still important that you make calcium a part of your diet to ensure the proper health of your bones and teeth. It is especially important for strengthening your spine, which is crucial for having a proper and proportionate body shape. It can keep your back from having pain as well, as it will be nice and strengthened. Calcium promotes proper muscle function and hormone secretion, which is why it’s so important. This is especially true when it comes to the heart. Making sure your heart is strong and functioning well means that you won’t have any issues with this vital organ. Having weak heart muscles is the last thing you want. When paired with vitamin D, calcium can have an effect on your weight. Having the proper amount of both in your body can help regulate your weight gain and help you lose weight easier. Calcium alone can do some of the work, but it is better when you take both. One big thing calcium does is prevent colon cancer. It suppresses the growth of polyps, which lead to cancer. It has been shown to bind to cancer promoters when going through your bowels and them secreting them. Although kidney stones are calcium-based, consuming calcium doesn’t necessarily lead to kidney stones. In fact, having a good amount of calcium in your body might help prevent these kidney stones from forming. That, along with adequate water intake, might stop any kidney stones from ever appearing. Foods rich in calcium include: 6 oz Plain Yogurt 6 oz Fruit-flavored Yogurt ½ cup Cream Cheese ½ cup Mozzarella Cheese 3 oz Atlantic Sardines 3 oz Pacific Sardines 1 cup Non-fat Milk 1 cup Reduced-fat Milk

1 cup Skimmed Milk Soy or Nut Milk 3 tbsp Sesame Seeds 1 cup cooked Collard Greens ½ cup firm Tofu 1 cup frozen Spinach 1 cup boiled Mustard Greens

Iron

Iron helps muscles transport oxygen so that it can be used by the body. Notably, 70% of the iron in your body is found in hemoglobin, which is what transfers oxygen throughout your body. Not having enough iron is definitely not something you want, especially when it is used for something so important. It is also essential in helping increase your metabolism. The lack of iron may cause anemia, some symptoms of which are fatigue, energy loss, and shortness of breath. If you often have these symptoms, you may need to increase iron in your diet. Without iron, we wouldn’t have hemoglobin. This, of course, would mean that our entire bodies wouldn’t be getting any oxygen, which is the last thing you would want. Along with that, we wouldn’t have any muscles. Iron is crucial in muscle formation and is found in myoglobin, which is a muscle protein. It would be a very strange thing if we didn’t have any muscles in our body, that’s for sure. Foods rich in iron are as follows: 1 cup Whole Grain Breakfast Cereal 3 oz Clams ¾ cup firm Tofu ¼ cup Pumpkin Seeds 3 oz Oysters 1 tbsp Molasses 1 cup Prune Juice 3 oz Beef 3 oz Lamb Chops ¾ cups Red Kidney Beans ¾ cups cooked Lentils

Potassium

Potassium is crucial in helping maintain electrolyte and water levels in the body and in ensuring that the heart, nervous system, and muscles all work well. The good news is that potassium is present in almost all plant and animal foods, as well as in unprocessed grains, milk, and legumes. Having a high potassium intake is actually linked to a 20% reduced risk of dying from a number of causes. It lowers the risk of things like a stroke. It is primarily linked to blood pressure, which it lowers. It counteracts the effects of sodium, so you won’t have to worry as much about having high blood pressure. Every organ in your body is kept in good condition, thanks to potassium. Here are some natural food sources of potassium: Bananas Avocados Almonds Peanuts Citrus Fruits Green Leafy Vegetables Milk Potatoes

Fiber

Fiber is incredibly important for your body. It helps with digestion, given that fiber is actually something the body can’t naturally digest. This helps make you feel full for longer and stops you from eating as much. Other benefits of fiber include blood sugar control and heart health. For anyone who has diabetes, you’ll understand how important it is to regulate your blood sugar. Having a good amount of fiber can help your body do just that. Of course, even if you don’t have diabetes, you should still be aware of this and actively try to keep your blood sugar levels normal. Fiber also plays a significant role in your heart health. If you want to avoid having a heart attack or heart disease, then make sure you have the recommended amount of fiber in your body at all times. Anyone who suffers from IBS will be glad to know that fiber also helps alleviate some of those symptoms. This has to do with the digestion aspects of fiber, that is, it is difficult to digest. Having a good amount of fiber is also helpful for skin health. It has been linked to stopping certain skin ailments, such as acne, and making them less severe. It works by moving yeast and fungus out of your body instead of letting them go through your pores. Your pores don’t get clogged up, so you don’t have acne. The risk of stroke is also decreased when you eat more fiber. If your family has a history of stroke, you can help decrease that possibility by making sure that you eat enough fiber. For weight loss, fiber has been proven to be a great help. Moreover, because of the digestion aspect of fiber, it helps keep you feel full for longer. Thus, you won’t feel the need to go and grab an unhealthy snack. Instead, you can get through the day without worrying about snacking. If you do feel a little bit hungry, you can opt to grab something like nuts instead, which also add to the staving off of hunger. Things like hemorrhoids and kidney or gall stones are also going to be less common if you eat plenty of fiber. There are tons of great things that fiber can do, so you should always aim for the recommended intake of fiber. Here are a few foods with plenty of fiber:

Carrots Avocados Berries Peas Almonds Oats Apples Bran Flakes

Zinc

Zinc is important because it is needed for your immune system. It also helps to create many enzymes and proteins within your body, not to mention that it helps create new cells. Zinc deficiency can lead to a decrease in your immunity and an increase in your chance of getting an infection. As with everything else in your life, do not consume too much zinc. This can create toxic levels of zinc within your body, which may cause sickness and pain. If you are an elderly person, an alcoholic, vegetarian, or vegan, you are especially at risk for zinc deficiency. Luckily, there are many foods from which you can get zinc. It is not incredibly common to have low zinc levels within your body, but it is something important to be aware of. Here are some foods that have zinc in them: Red Meat Mushrooms Spinach Nuts Oysters Peas Whole Grains Oats

All of these vitamins and minerals are incredibly important for your body. Each one of them works in a different way, but they all work together to keep your body functioning properly. Without every single one of these vitamins and minerals, your body would not be able to properly function. Moreover, your heart wouldn’t have the things it needs to function properly and could even give out due to the lack of muscle strength. You would be at a higher risk for numerous diseases, some of which have a high mortality rate. There are even more vitamins and minerals that your body needs, but those listed above are the most crucial ones. Be sure to look up the daily recommended consumption for all nutrients – not only those on this list, but also the ones that aren’t listed. All of these will help you get the body you deserve to have – one that’s healthy and strong. If you can’t consume some vitamins or minerals, either due to an allergy or a dislike of the foods listed here, there are dietary supplements. These dietary supplements can be very good to take because they ensure that you are getting the proper amount of each vitamin and mineral. That’s not to say that they should be taken in place of eating healthy food, but it can be a good idea to take some supplements when you are starting to eat healthier. I won’t go into too much detail, but make sure to do your research before buying supplements. Dietary supplements can interact very badly with other medications, and some have the chance of doing more harm to your body than good. Checking with your doctor for a trusted brand or conducting extensive research on which brands are the best for you, which ones have been recalled before, and what supplements are the best for whichever vitamin or mineral you are not consuming as often would be the best idea. In fact, for many people, particularly teenagers, children, and women, it is helpful for their diet and bodies to take vitamins. As with many other products, it can be useful to look for a supplement that provides nutrients from natural whole foods. If you are unsure of whether you should take a supplement or even what type you should take, here are a few good examples of those who really need supplements:

Are you a woman who still has her monthly cycles? Having supplemental iron is likely a good idea for you. Are you rarely exposed to the sun or are you someone who can’t be in the sun? Take a vitamin D supplement. Are you a vegan or vegetarian? You might benefit from taking iodine, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 supplements.

Chapter 5: Understanding Malnutrition Food is fuel for the body. It provides the nutrients and energy required for the body to be healthy in the way of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals. When the body does not consume these nutrients in sufficient quantities, then what the body undergoes is malnutrition, which causes the person to lose weight in a very unhealthy way. If the weight of the body is not lost in a healthy way, then the individual can develop serious diseases. It should be plainly understood that even a deficiency of a single vitamin can lead to malnutrition. Hunger is a process that the body uses to signal to the fact that the body needs refueling to function properly. However, malnutrition is different from hunger. Hunger is temporary; it goes away once the body consumes food, and the stomach is filled with enough energy to make the body function. Malnutrition, on the other hand, can be chronic or permanent. In many cases, it is more severe because the effects can be long-lasting and can develop into long-term sicknesses. Under extreme circumstances, it can also lead to the malfunction of vital parts of the body. As much as there is a need to understand the importance of partaking in a healthy and nutritious diet for the body, it is also necessary to know what happens to the body when it is deprived of a well-balanced diet. The most common misconception for losing weight is that people tend to avoid food and eat less in an attempt to keep their caloric intake low. The biggest effect is that in this attempt, people deprive their bodies of the nutrition that is required to lose or maintain their weight. Malnutrition is a term that defines this state of depriving the body of daily nutrition. This eventually harms the body, resulting in moderate to severe adverse consequences and often longterm effects. Malnutrition is an underlying condition in which the consumption of food proves to provide insufficient nutritional value that is essential for the body to function in daily routine and perform tasks and activities. Malnutrition contributes directly to weakening the immune system by not giving the organs their necessary minerals and vitamins. This weakened immunity

creates an issue in which the body has a difficult time fighting off diseases and becomes slow and weak, thus creating an opportunity for bacteria and viruses to attack with little to no defense system. Malnutrition is a broad term that does not only involve the undernourishment of the body but may sometimes refer to the over nourishment of the body as well. In general terms, malnutrition relates to the imbalance of diet, which usually depends on the individual. Therefore, in a nutshell, malnutrition may refer to under/over nourishment and the sufficient/insufficient nutrition of the body that may be over or under the requirements of the body. Malnutrition is also measured based on the weight and height of the body. A lower weight for a taller height would mean undernourished, while more weight for a shorter height indicates over nourishment. The body requires a specific amount of vitamins, calories, minerals, and healthy fats. These are to be consumed based on the individual requirement of the body. Sub-nutrition is a particular category of malnutrition that specifically describes the aspect of undernutrition of the body. Undernutrition sometimes results in weight gain, or it might make the body shed too much weight, which can cause the body to become sick or fall into a serious disorder or disease. Sub-nutrition means that the person is not consuming enough calories and nutrition. However, this does not correlate with the quantity of the food. If a person consumes more food, it does not necessarily mean that the individual is also consuming enough nutrition. A lack of healthy diet results in deficiencies. Other direct effects include the occurrence and development of nutritional disorders. One of the primary results of sub-nutrition is obesity, in which people concentrate on the quantity of the food rather than on the nutritional value, which creates an imbalance in their body. Moreover, one of the worst implications of maintaining an inadequate nutritional plan during childhood is that the person may suffer from health problems for the rest of his or her life, as the immune system was deprived of nutrition during the developmental years. Another major and very evident result of malnutrition in early ages is that the individual could possibly suffer from psychological issues, low academic achievement, mental instability, and personality problems. In many cases,

malnutrition can even cause diseases and challenges, such as measles, pneumonia, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. The most common observer groups of malnutrition victims are the elderly, who are not able to care for themselves. One alarming trend currently being researched is the fact that the majority of the elderly victims of malnutrition are patients who are being treated in hospitals and health centers. The second category comprises those individuals who are socially alienated from society and who suffer from psychological conditions. The third, and the most shared, is a growing group involving people with low incomes who are not fiscally capable of affording nutritional regimens with a variety of foods. This also includes individuals who live on a single item and consume it for too long. Individuals who suffer from eating disorders, such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa, or persons who are in the process of recovering from severe illnesses are at the most vulnerable stages of developing malnutrition and related problems. Malnourishment can cause dramatic weight loss that can be mistaken for losing weight through a healthy diet (which is essential for the body if the person is overweight). The body has a pattern of gaining and losing weight. Losing weight might be harder for the body, and it takes longer for the body to adjust to a healthy diet and intake. However, it is crucial for the body to lose weight over time and through a nutritious diet, in which case the process is rather slow. In cases in which weight is lost too quickly, the person needs to be careful and needs to determine whether it is malnutrition or not. The difference between hunger and malnourishment is that frequent spells of the body staying hungry can eventually lead to malnutrition. If the body is left hungry for too long, it can result in malnutrition, and this can be indicated by both weight loss and weight gain. Both types of weight movement are indicators that the body is not receiving the necessary full nutrition that it needs to function correctly.

Types of Malnutrition

Moderate acute malnutrition (MAM), otherwise called squandering, is characterized by a weight-for-tallness pointer between - 3 and - 2 z-scores (standard deviations) of the worldwide standard or a mid-upper arm outline (MUAC) between 11 cm and 12.5 cm. Serious, intense ailing health (SAM) is the most unsafe type of lack of healthy sustenance. On the off chance that it is left untreated, SAM can bring about death. Serious squandering is described by a huge loss of muscle-to-fat ratio and muscle tissue. Kids who are severely squandered look elderly, and their bodies are amazingly thin and skeletal. In this type of extreme intense ailing health, edema is observed on the lower appendages and is checked when thumb weight is applied on top of both feet for three seconds and leaves a pit or space in the foot after the thumb is lifted. The edema may, in the long run, spread to the legs and chest, and the child will seem puffy and is typically bad tempered, frail, and torpid. Different indications of edema incorporate skin injuries, an expanded liver, and diminishing hair. Underneath the edema, the muscles have been extremely debilitated, and the youngster encounters intense cramping and muscle torment. An extremely malnourished child with edema is at a high danger of death and requires immediate treatment. Both types of extreme acute lack of real sustenance trade off the body’s basic functions. Regardless of the possibility that a child is dealt with and his or her nourishing status is reestablished, his or her physical and mental improvement and general well-being status might be unfavorably affected in the long haul. Both direct intense hunger and severe, extreme lack of healthy sustenance might be joined by micronutrient inadequacies, such as press insufficiency, nutritious iron deficiency, iodine insufficiency, and tissue and vitamin A insufficiency. All around, direct intense lack of healthy nutrition influences a more noteworthy number of kids than extreme intense hunger. While children experiencing either direct intense hunger or extreme, intense lack of healthy nourishment are helpless to sickness, severely malnourished kids are in greater danger of restorative intricacies and demise from ailments, contaminations, and micronutrient insufficiencies. On the off chance that a child experiences the endless lack of healthy sustenance, the fundamental

side effect is hindering and being shorter than normal for his or her age group. Hindered youngsters won’t develop to the maximum capacity, physically or rationally. They will likewise be at a more serious risk for genuine medical issues, such as heart and kidney infections and diabetes. If children experience the intense lack of healthy sustenance, they aren’t getting enough supplements for the organs, tissues, and cells to work properly. On the off chance that their body doesn’t get these supplements from sustenance, it will start to expand its particular tissue for vitality, leaving expected survival a minimum. This adversely influences the kid’s digestion, organ capacity, and safe framework, as well as puts their life in danger. The more prominent the tissue misfortune, the more extreme ailing health gets to be. Direct intense hunger causes certain insufficiencies because of an absence of supplements, thus debilitating youngsters’ frameworks and putting them at risk for different sicknesses. Extreme intense lack of healthy sustenance is the most life-debilitating of all. It genuinely reduces the greater part of a youngster’s imperative capacities and can be lethal if left untreated. Not many individuals know that unhealthiness can be brought on by the absence of supplements. In any case, it is the ill health caused by the lack of essential miniaturized scale supplements that is a noteworthy worldwide concern. The fundamental types of lack of healthy sustenance sicknesses are development disappointment hunger and ailing micronutrient health. Development disappointment lack of healthy nutrition, as the name proposes, is the inability of a person to develop a course in stature or weight, as indicated by his or her age and sexual orientation. Development disappointment ailing health can take different forms. Intense ailing health, or squandering, emerges all of a sudden and results in radical weight reduction. Hunger is the impeded capacity that results from a drawn out insufficiency – or overabundance – of aggregate vitality or special supplements. For example, protein, basic unsaturated fats, vitamins, and minerals are all special supplements. This condition can come about because of fasting and anorexia nervosa; industrious regurgitating (as in bulimia nervosa) or powerlessness to swallow; impeded assimilation and intestinal malabsorption; or endless

ailments that result in loss of hunger (e.g., disease, AIDS). Unhealthiness can likewise come about because of constrained sustenance accessibility, impulsive nourishment decisions, or exuberant utilization of dietary supplements.

Signs and Symptoms of Malnutrition

The symptoms of malnutrition are hard to identify because some cases might not show any symptoms at all, or they may have simpler symptoms that include dizziness, fever, fatigue, or weight loss. However, the severity of the symptoms can be checked through some basic tests that can highlight the prevalence of malnutrition. The symptoms that can make it easier to detect food disorders and lack of nutrition are loss of adipose tissue, which can cause a dramatic weight loss; difficulties experienced in breathing; psychological issues, such as depression; low body temperatures; decrease in the number of white blood cells; and changes in body temperatures where the tendency is to feel colder. Some of the longer term effects are seen to affect the time span for infections, illnesses, and wounds healing. In addition, the effects are seen in lowered sex drive, and problems are experienced with fertility. Some prominent and evident signs are fatigue, tiredness, mood swings, and irritability. In some of the more extreme cases and circumstances, the skin tissues are affected to the extent that the skin becomes thin. Other direct effects are in the form of hollow and saggy skin. What the medical and clinical signs of malnutrition also prove is that weight gain is notably slower than the defined pace, and there is a possible slowing in linear growth levels. The evident signs and causes of malnutrition are iron deficiencies that can be triggered when fatigued, anemic responses, frequent headaches, and changes in the color and appearance of nails. Other symptoms include psychological discrepancies and problems experienced with cognition and cognitive health. Iodine deficiencies are not often observed to be very prominent but are based on the developmental and mental sectors causing abnormalities, such as retardation and goiter. Vitamin D deficiency can be a trigger of developing diseases, such as rickets and hypocalcemia, or a reduced growth rate. Vitamin A deficiency can be indicated if the patient experiences night blindness, changes in hair, and xerophthalmia. Folate deficiency can be a trigger of anemia, glossitis, and defects in the neural tube (women).

Zinc deficiencies can trigger anemia, dwarfism, adverse responses of the immune system that may include slower and poor healing of the wounds, hyperpigmentation, hepatosplenomegaly, hypogonadism, and acrodermatitis enteropathica. It is to be kept in mind that not all signs might point towards malnutrition, but they should not be ignored. In some cases, there is thinning of the subcutaneous tissues, which may affect the face, legs, arms, and buttocks. There might be conditions of edema, or there might be some oral changes that include cheilosis, angular stomatitis, papillary atrophy, etc. Abdominal distention can also be a sign of insufficient or over sufficient intake of food. Sometimes, minor changes in the skin, i.e., dry or peeling skin that is raw to touch, might also indicate malnutrition. One sign of malnutrition is that the body is unable to extract and digest the nutrients from food, and this can mean that the body might have developed certain diseases that are preventing the nutrients from being absorbed by the body. Sudden changes can indicate that there are problems with the body in the form of thyroid problems, cancer, infectious diseases, digestive issues, heart failure, and kidney disease. To be precise, if the weight shed by the body is between 5% and 10% in a period of three to six months, then it is an alarming sign of malnutrition. More severely, people with a BMI (Body Mass Index) of 18.5 or below can be at risk of malnourishment. Other signs include a loss of interest in eating and drinking, fatigue, feeling tired all the time, and feeling weak throughout the day. It can also be characterized by people falling sick too easily and taking too long to recover. Destitution and absence of sustenance are the essential reasons why a lack of healthy nutrition happens in the United States. Loss of craving is often related to the maturing procedure but can also be a sign of malnutrition. Lack of healthy foods influences one in four elderly Americans, to some extent, as they may lose enthusiasm for eating. Furthermore, such sicknesses as Alzheimer’s may cause older adults to forget to eat. There is an expanded danger of lack of healthy sustenance related to constant maladies, particularly illnesses of the intestinal tract, kidneys, and liver. Patients with endless sicknesses, such as tumors, AIDS, intestinal parasites, and other gastric issues, may get fitter faster but are distinctly powerless

against undernourishment because they can’t ingest beneficial vitamins, calories, and iron. Individuals with medication or liquor addictions are likewise at an increased danger of lack of healthy sustenance. These individuals have a tendency to keep up insufficient eating for drawn out stretches of time, and their capacity to ingest supplements is hindered by the liquor or medication’s effect on body tissues, especially the liver, pancreas, and mind. Dietary issues, particularly in individuals with anorexia or bulimia, may limit their nourishment admission to such extremes that they get to be distinctly malnourished. Those with nourishment hypersensitivities, particularly those with food allergies, may think that it’s hard to get sustenance that they can process. Furthermore, individuals with sustenance hypersensitivities frequently require additional calorie admission to keep up their weight. There also exists an inability to assimilate supplements in nourishment taking after bariatric (weight reduction) surgery. Bariatric surgery incorporates such methods as stomach stapling (gastroplasty) and different intestinal sidestep strategies to help individuals eat less and become healthier overall. Be that as it may, lack of healthy sustenance can likely be a result of bariatric surgery.

Treatment and Prevention of Malnutrition

The basic treatment of malnutrition varies and depends on the severity and seriousness of the type of malnutrition. A thorough understanding of the individual afflicted helps in devising the diet and care plan according to individual needs. The real priority would be to give the patient the required amount of nutrition. However, in cases where this is not possible, there are two forms of artificial nutritional methodologies. The first process is enteral nutrition, where a tube is inserted through the nose and then goes directly into the stomach of the patient. The food supplement is sent through the pipe, or the tube, into the stomach directly. The second process is parental feeding, where the nutritional supplement liquid is directly injected into the bloodstream of the patient. Then, the progress of the patient is monitored. The only preventative strategy is to consume carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, proteins, dairy, and a limited amount of healthy fats. One of the latest home remedies is to use the Ready-to-use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), which can be given to a malnourished child in the form of a dietary paste, and the most prominent effect is weight gain. This treatment has been flavored with peanut butter and milk, making it easier to be consumed by children. It also contains the necessary vitamins and minerals that can be ingested. It has a shelf life of three to four months, so it can be fed to children at intervals. Given that malnutrition is common in children, the proper way of gaining weight is to ensure that they are receiving an intake of 120 to 150 calories, as this may be the case for chronic and severe cases of malnutrition. However, in mild and moderate cases, the proper ways of gaining or losing weight need to be assessed in terms of calorie consumption. The prevention of malnutrition can often be controlled through prenatal nutritional care. This also includes counseling the parents and educating them about malnutrition. The most common forms of treating malnourishment are for the patient to consume snacks in between meals, as well as take plenty of fluids through drinks containing calories. A balanced and healthy diet might include fruits, vegetables, bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, starchy foods, milk, dairy products, meat, fish, eggs, and beans.

Statistics and Facts about Malnutrition

It has been found by the National Health Services (NHS) that in the United Kingdom alone, there is an estimated three million people who are affected by malnutrition and its various implications. This leads us to believe that people are either consuming too much food or not taking the base level of nutrients needed to sustain a healthy lifestyle. Meanwhile, according to the estimates of the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), a population of 923 million people around the globe is affected each year by the imbalance in diet as a result of malnutrition. This number has increased drastically by 80% in a century. According to a report by the World Health Organization, one of the biggest factors that cause mortality in children is malnutrition, which is the foremost reason for at least 45% of cases of child mortality. According to another report by World Health Organization, 1.9 billion adults around the globe are obese or overweight, while the figures indicate that 462 million people are underweight and suffer from malnutrition. The rate is alarming for children, among whom the obesity rate is 41 million, but the underweight rate is 159 million, and these children are below the age of 5 years. This phenomenon is common in both developed and developing countries, i.e., both rich and poor nations. Malnutrition affects one in every three children, and out of all of the cases of malnutrition, the deaths are found primarily in the youngest age groups. Among the major reasons are increasing inflation and higher prices of food, especially in developing and underdeveloped countries. A leading cause of malnutrition in infants has been linked to the nutritional value of the breastfeeding mother’s diet. When the mother is malnourished, she is not providing adequate nutrition for the baby, thus putting the child on the same boat. Sometimes, some infections in the body disable the ability to extract the needed nutrients from food and hinder the breaking down of food. This results in malnutrition. The WHO is working in collaboration with UNICEF and both are in agreement that the severity of malnutrition all over the world has reached its peak. They have exerted combined efforts to identify remedial measures that might help overcome this issue, which stems from the guidelines provided

by the IMCI. Malnutrition causes over 300,000 deaths in children alone around the globe aged less than 10 years. Notably, 10% of all individuals from low-wage family units don’t generally have enough refreshing nourishment to eat. Protein-vitality ailing health occurs in half of surgical patients and in 48% of all other clinic patients. Obesity and heftiness have achieved pandemic extents, influencing around 1.5 billion adults and 200 million offspring of school age all through the world, making this the generation with an anticipated future life expectancy that is lower than that of their folks. Previously, weight problems were noted only in prosperous populaces with a plentiful vitality admission, although stoutness is currently often related to hindering nations with low per capita wage and high sustenance uncertainty. The profile has now been seen among poor youngsters and youths in different nations. Hindering is profoundly predominant in kids. The commonness of being overweight and hefty was high in early adolescence and low toward the end of youth. The commonness of being overweight and stout expanded continuously among young ladies, achieving 10% and 15% in young ladies between the ages of 10 and 16 and influencing 15% and 25% of young ladies between the ages of 17 and 20. At the point where they are stratified for pubertal stage, young ladies at stage five showed a predominance of being overweight and stout of 35%, while among young men, the commonness did not reach 1%. A national review completed in Mexico found a 6.2% connection between moms with focal adiposity and youngsters with hindering. This was more predominant in rural regions and among indigenous families. In addition, an investigation of poor Mexican kids living in provinces revealed that weight and undernutrition coincided with a high pervasiveness of hindering and being overweight. The greater part of the families lived in neediness with countless members per home. Over 30% of the families were of indigenous inception. Useful seepage frameworks were available in less than 20% of the group. The pervasiveness of hindering in youngsters was 21.3% for the non-indigenous populace and 42.7% for the indigenous populace. The predominance of overweight/corpulence among hindered youngsters was twice as high among the indigenous kids as compared to their non-

indigenous partners. The most related elements were more youthful moms of short stature, fewer years of training, more regrettable financial status, less familiarity with economic wellbeing, and larger family measure. Moreover, this kind of affiliation was seen among poor youngsters in China. Of 453 overweight kids, 57.6% displayed hindering, 41.0% demonstrated a tallness for age z score amongst −2 and 2, and only 1.4% exhibited a stature for age z score >2. The predominance of hindering among the greater part of the kids was 30%, with this being the most genuine and pervasive issue, while the pervasiveness of being underweight was 10%. One review was conducted in Alagoas, an extremely poor area of Brazil, and a comparative concurrence of undernutrition and stoutness was found. A total of 315 families was reviewed. Lodging conditions were of poor standard; most families lived in plastic shacks with just a single room and one family unit apparatus. The greater part of the residences needed floor covers, most abodes had no water supply, and the families utilized untreated water. All homes were without a lavatory or fridge. Kids demonstrated a high predominance of squandering in addition to hindering, and most were gravely influenced (20%). Among adults, there was a higher pervasiveness of being overweight (25%) than of being underweight (20%). The pervasiveness of being both underweight and overweight was higher in ladies than in men, and in the previous, the commonness of being overweight was around twice that of the last mentioned. Of the hindered people, 30% were overweight, and 16% were underweight. The eating regimens of adults were overviewed to study the connection between their sustenance admission and their dietary status. The mean vitality admission was 63%, which is beneath the Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA), and after modification for light action and short stature, the qualities were around 70% and found to be good with the more extensive display of undernutrition present in the populace. Among the hindered masses, hungry men appeared to have an inclination of lower vitality, in contrast to the individuals who were corpulent. Then again, among the hindered ladies, vitality utilization appeared to have no connection to dietary status, as comparable vitality utilizations were found for undernourished and fat ladies, individually.

These outcomes increase the likelihood that the high predominance of being overweight or stout, specifically among hindered ladies, was not related to exorbitant vitality utilization, but rather to a deficient admission if RDA qualities are thought to be a reference for sufficient admission. Then again, looking at this as a positive vitality adjustment must have successfully caused heftiness. We can, along these lines, assume that the RDA qualities may be high for this populace because of their smaller body measurement, regardless of the revisions made for short stature and low vitality use. One question to consider is the exactness of the nourishment utilization estimations. A dietary review request was connected to all people at home, on any offered day, to give data on the respondents’ nourishment consumption amid a solitary 24-hour period utilizing an institutionalized manual with photographic records for the dietary request, which represented the diverse servings that appeared in grams and family measures. In a sub-test, a three-day request was likewise made. The standard eating routine was very reliable, fundamentally composed of espresso with sugar, bread and margarine, beans and rice, stewed chicken, maize flour, and chicken eggs. No significant out-of-home-sustenances were discovered, which is predictable with the level of destitution. Thus, we trust that nourishment admission estimations were precise because of the lower impact of those components on the nature of sustenance admission estimations, such as out-of-home uncontrolled nourishment utilization and an eating regimen of vast fluctuation. Another variable to be viewed as one that could clarify the nearness of overweight/large individuals found in this populace is the measure of fat in their consumption. The outcomes did not uncover high-fat admission or contrast in this macronutrient for hindered and fat men and ladies when contrasted with their typical or undernourished partners (25%, by and large). The creators inferred that the corpulence found in hindered people couldn’t be clarified by a higher fat admission. Then again, it is conceivable that physical action was especially low. Furthermore, the unemployment rate was high (81.6%). The most energetic physical exercises depicted were infrequent strolling long distances to get and convey water to the family and the hand washing of garments done by ladies. Hence, different systems might be in charge of the positive vitality adjustment – for example, an impressive reduction in vitality

consumption for physical action. This was discovered particularly in studies with double-named water in hindered immature young ladies. Finally, it is conceivable that different components may have added to the distinctions in body mass index (BMI) seen in ladies with short stature/low weight in contrast to those with short stature/stoutness. One possibility could be an expansion in vitality consumption in connection to vitality allowance because of a higher recurrence of diseases and parasites among those with low weight. The profile depicted for this populace was likewise seen in a broadly based examination. Among ladies from families that got up to 25% of the base pay, 32.1% were overweight, and 8.8% were stout. A high predominance was found among ladies who got in the vicinity of 25% and 100% of the base pay, with 40% of these ladies being overweight and 13% being large. Men of lower wage classes introduced a lower commonness of being overweight and weight in contrast with ladies. Moreover, in terms of the aggregate number of calories accessible per family for utilization in the populace with a wage of up to 25% of the base pay, although the populace with pay over five times the base pay, only 2,075 kcal calories are accessible per capita. As of late, a comparable review demonstrated that 35.5% of families revealed that the amount of nourishment expanded through the span of a month was either typical or every so often deficient. One important question to bring up is the means by which corpulence is assessed in people with short stature because, for any given weight, the BMI will be higher for individuals who are shorter. Hence, the indicator of heftiness must be affirmed by different strategies, for example, bone mineral thickness (BMD) or abdomen-to-hip proportion. This assessment was done in a progression of studies on young people and adults by us and other researchers. These reviews have affirmed that there are modifications in the body of hindered individuals with high-fat gathering. In spite of the fact that the purported ailments of human advancement—for instance, coronary illness, stroke, malignancy, and diabetes—will be the concentration of this article, the most noteworthy nourishment-related ailment is unending undernutrition, which torments more than 925 million individuals around the world. Undernutrition is a condition in which there is

inadequate sustenance to address vitality issues; its fundamental attributes incorporate weight reduction, inability to flourish, and squandering of muscle to fat quotients and muscle. Low birth weight in babies, insufficient development and advancement in kids, decreased mental capacity, and expanded defenselessness to sickness are among the numerous outcomes of unending persevering yearning, which influences those living in destitution in both industrialized and developing nations. The largest number of constantly hungry individuals can be found in Asia, yet the seriousness of this condition is most noteworthy in sub-Saharan Africa. Toward the begin of the 21st century, around 20,000 individuals, the lion’s share of them kids, passed on every day from undernutrition and related ailments that could have been avoided. The passing of a number of these kids stems from the poor health status of their moms, as well as the absence of chance forced by neediness. Only a small percentage of craving passing is brought about by starvation because of cataclysmic nourishment deficiencies. Amid the 1990s, for instance, overall starvation (widespread shortage of the sustenance supply) all the more frequently came about because of complex social and political issues and the assaults of war rather than from cataclysmic events, such as dry seasons and surges.

Chapter 6: Diseases Caused by Poor Diet To lead a happy and healthy life, the importance of a nutritious diet is of value, as it can protect the body from many diseases and illnesses that develop as a result of the lack of the proper and required nutrition. However, a poor diet may allow many diseases and illnesses to develop and prevail in the body, and many of these diseases can be permanent and may continue to weaken the body. It is critical to realize the value of fresh produce instead of substituting it with packaged and processed food. The markets are full of products that claim that their products contain proteins and vitamins that have been extracted from natural methods, but in reality, foods have been prepared from many materials and artificial flavorings that might not be suitable for human consumption. The prepared and processed foods that promise to contain nutrients and vitamins might actually lack the required nutrients, and when we consume these foods while thinking we are consuming nutrition, we are building up harmful chemicals and toxins in our body. Our body needs to extract the nutrients from food; however, if we feed our body chemicals, these get absorbed in our bloodstreams, our organs, and our bones (that are automatically weakened). This gives room for diseases and illnesses to develop in our bodies. However, not every product has chemicals; some of them have been recommended by medical experts and are used as treatment in many malnutrition cases. Overall, infection refers to any of the supplement-related sicknesses and conditions that cause disease in people. This may incorporate insufficiencies or overabundances in the eating routine, corpulence and dietary problems, as well as persistent infections, such as cardiovascular sickness, hypertension, growth, and diabetes mellitus. Wholesome ailments additionally incorporate developmental anomalies that can be averted through a proper eating regimen, an inherited metabolic issue that reacts to dietary treatment, the combination of sustenance and supplements with medication, nourishment sensitivities and prejudices, and potential risks in the sustenance supply.

The prevention of many diseases that result from a lack of proper nutrition can be achieved through the consumption and use of remedies that can be found easily in natural foods that are grown in the soil and on trees. By consuming food in its freshest form, we can prevent the occurrence of many diseases. This can also cure many of the already existing problems that the body might be fighting against, as this is a natural and essential way of cleansing the body and ridding it of unnecessary items that harm the body. The most important nutrients for our bodies are proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins (13), and minerals (15), which are needed for the body to function properly. Some of the primary problems are given below.

Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most common diseases around the world that can develop because of an inappropriate diet. However, diabetes can be prevented and managed through an active and healthy lifestyle. In some cases, a poor diet can result in some earlier problems, such as obesity, high blood pressure, as well as rising levels of cholesterol, which can contribute to diabetes. According to the findings of the American Diabetes Association, a healthy and nutritious diet can decrease the chance of becoming diabetic. The stage before a diagnosis of diabetes is called a pre-diabetic stage. In this stage, people experience changes in their glucose and cholesterol levels, which are high or close to being high. Meanwhile, if people start caring about their diet and adopting a healthy lifestyle, diabetes can be prevented from progressing in the future, and the levels can become stagnant or even decrease. Diabetes directly results from the consumption of foods that are fatty and high in glucose or sugar. Moreover, some illnesses and conditions, such as heart diseases, high blood pressure, stroke, gallstones, and some forms of cancer, increase the likelihood of diabetes. The decrease in the use of oils and butter, along with removing fat from meats, especially the skin and fat of chicken and turkey, can prevent the condition. Moreover, increased salt in the body that comes from processed snacks and cold drinks can lead to pre-diabetic conditions. Diabetes is, notably, a condition in which the body loses the ability to store or use sugar and glucose and, therefore, can cause other problems that can lead to blindness, problems with the movement of limbs, coma, and in severe situations, death. There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 is the stage in which the body stops producing insulin, which therefore has to be taken either orally through medications or injected. Type 2 affects adults who are overweight. A few of the signs that point towards diabetes is feeling thirsty too often, urinating often, itchy skin, various phases in which blurriness and blindness occur in short but frequent periods, shedding of too much weight, and feeling hungry often. Other likely causes are numbness and loss of sensation in hands and feet, vaginal and groin infections, loss of consciousness, bed sores even when the people are mobile, and delayed wound healing. The treatment for diabetes is

to eat frequently and in smaller portions foods that are healthy and nutritious, as well as living a healthy lifestyle with the necessary exercise.

Anemia

Anemia is mainly referred to as a problem in which the blood levels in the body decrease. In detail, it refers to a situation in which the number of red blood cells decreases. An anemic person may experience weakness, fatigue, temperature changes, headaches, and heartbeat irregularity from time to time. Anemia is a condition that results from food and nutrient deficiencies. According to the figures provided by the Mayo Clinic, anemia affects almost 1% to 2% of the adult population in the United States. The most likely deficiencies are those that are caused by nutrients extracted from meat and poultry. These deficiencies result in irregular hemoglobin levels. Vitamin B12 deficiency also contributes to the progression of anemia. This vitamin is found in grains and animal products. Anemia develops when the blood is weak because of the rapid death of red blood cells, such that the body is not able to keep with the pace of replicating and renewing the dying and dead cells. Anemia is more common in women because they bleed during their menstrual cycle and thus lose blood faster than men. The majority of women become anemic or develop anemia during pregnancy. Blood loss during childbirth can significantly contribute to the death of women in many cases. Iron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia, but lately, other illnesses, such as malaria, diarrhea, ulcers, parasites, worms found in the body, and wounds that do not stop bleeding can cause anemia. Some symptoms include pale skin, specifically the eyelids and lips (inner). The condition can be prevented by consuming citrus fruits, tomatoes, leafy vegetables, cereals, liver, chicken, oysters, seafood, sardines, meat (lean), peas, beans, broccoli, eggs, nuts, tofu, bran, and squash or by simply consuming iron pills or iron supplements.

Rickets (Osteomalacia)

Rickets is a disease caused by of calcium, phosphate, and vitamin D deficiencies. The condition affects both children and adults and develops from poor nutrition levels for a prolonged period. Given that the body does not get enough nutrients that strengthen the bones and the skeletal system, the bones, muscles, and joints become weak and soft. As a result, they become dislocated as they cannot remain straight and hard. Another leading factor is the lack of vitamin D in the body. This vitamin can be gained from both food and exposure to sunlight. Our body cannot produce or make vitamin D on its own, so it has to be extracted from either ultraviolet rays or food. Rickets has been found to develop in people with no access to direct sunlight. From the perspective of diet, vitamin D is found in dairy products, as well as nutritious foods and vegetables having high levels of energy. Even if sunlight is not available, the deficiency can be overcome through diet and nutrients. Vitamin D can be created from the ultraviolet rays absorbed by the liver and kidneys. Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common problems among people who work or stay indoors. It mostly affects children during their developmental and growth stages. Certain organs of poultry that can help combat this disease. Cod liver oil is also a proven cure for vitamin D deficiency. The disease spreads and progresses in higher rates in children, who develop it within a very short period during the stages when their skeletal system is being developed. The bones grow in a lengthening position, and they grow straight. In people with rickets, the most affected areas are the legs, where bone development and lengthening are most crucial. Parts of the leg bones become too soft to be straight, and as a result, the bones grow in an outward direction because of the lack of calcium and vitamin D. In other cases, the rib cages and wrists are affected. This deformation causes swelling, widening, and thickening of the surrounding tissues. In other cases, the disease also makes the skull bones soft and damages the tissues. It can cause curves in the back, which can cause further deformities and frequent fractures. Vegetarians need to replace meat with milk and other dairy.

Beriberi

Beriberi is a disease directly caused by excessive consumption of rice and starchy foods that lack nutrients. This is a deficiency of vitamin B1. It directly damages and affects the nerves and causes inflammation, which can damage the neurons permanently. The disease is commonly associated with countries and nations that rely on rice as their main source of food. Moreover, the disease is restricted to countries that prefer white rice to brown. White rice is known to cause weakness, aches and pains, weight loss, difficulty in limb movement, altered muscle coordination, nerve degeneration, and cardiovascular problems. In some cases, it has been known to cause emotional and psychological issues. In more extreme cases, beriberi can contribute to mortality issues. In the 18th century, it was deduced that white rice could release poisonous toxins in the body and is therefore unfit for human consumption in larger quantities. Brown rice contains thiamine, which is essential for absorption into the body, but white rice does not contain thiamine. Therefore, the body develops many forms of illnesses that can be prevented by the consumption of thiamine. The most common signs include swelling, irregular heartbeat, and long spells of hunger without the wish to eat. The condition can be improved by consuming meat, poultry, fish, liver, cereals that have whole grain fibers, peas, beans, and clovers, as well as higher consumption of milk and eggs.

Scurvy

Scurvy is referred to as the disease of gray death or the disease of the pirates. It is essentially caused by a lack of vitamin C and ascorbic acid. The history of the disease points back to ancient times, when the reasons and causes of the disease were unknown, but according to the experiments done by experts, it was found that the disease could be controlled or stopped in its early stages if the patient is fed certain herbs and fresh produce. Until the 15th century, the disease was rare, but it started occurring frequently and began affecting more people in the latter centuries when people began traveling and staying more on the ships. These people did not have access to the different varieties of food, especially fresh produce that includes fruits and vegetables. Therefore, they relied heavily on fish and preserved poultry that lacked vitamin C. The symptoms of scurvy can occur in the form of pain in joints and gums. It can also result in bloodstains, clots, visible spots under the skin, loosening of teeth, bad breath, as well as difficulty in eating, walking, and moving the limbs. In more severe and serious cases, the sudden bursting of blood vessels could result in immediate death. In the 18th century, the consumption of fresh produce was specified and limited to mostly citrus fruits comprising lemons, limes, oranges, strawberries, and broccoli. These can be repliced by recommended processed supplements that have vitamin C. A simple glass of fresh lemon or orange juice is effective enough to provide relief from the disease or stop its symptoms from developing.

Pellagra

Pellagra is caused by a deficiency of vitamin B3. It is a condition that results in problems under the layers of the skin, causing blisters. Other symptoms include bleeding from the mouth and psychological issues, such as abusive or aggressive behavior. The cause is unknown, but some data point towards the overconsumption of corn and the use of corn as a substitute for meat. Corn is an inexpensive staple food that is consumed by most vegetarians. It reduces the levels of vitamin B3 in the body. This can be addressed by consuming meat in the required quantities. In the 20th century, the cause was found in the way the corn was processed with the inclusion of limewater. This causes the grain to lose many of its nutrients. The disease is most frequently found in developing countries and the poorest nations that rely heavily on corn. Some symptoms of pellagra include instances of dementia, diarrhea, and dermatitis. The disease results from the absence of Niacin, which reduces the supply of amino acids, tryptophan, and lysine. Some foods that can help address the condition are tuna, peanuts, whole grain foods, mushrooms, and chicken.

Night blindness (xerophthalmia)

Chronic or permanent night blindness is caused by the lack of vitamin A. This results in poor growth and dryness of the epithelial tissue, thus causing a chronic eye infection that causes blindness when dark. In more serious and severe cases, this may result in permanent loss of sight. The consumption of carrots, green leafy vegetables, and raw vegetables can address the condition.

Goiter

Goiter results from iodine deficiency. This causes the thyroid glands to swell and become problematic. It hinders the growth of children, as well as causes cretinism and mental retardation in some cases. Iodine can be found in salts and saltwater fish. Fish, salts, and starchy foods can prevent the condition from progressing further.

Kwashiorkor

The condition results from the lack of protein. Other illnesses that may result in the development of kwashiorkor are anorexia, liver enlargement, ulcers, irritability, and other mood phases. The affected population is mostly composed of children from poor countries. The consumption of eggs, lentils, rice (brown), meats, and other foods that are high in carbohydrates and proteins can help fight this disease.

Depression

The symptoms of depression are difficult to detect and analyze, but a few serious symptoms include hair loss and rashes directly resulting from vitamin B7 and biotin deficiency. Depression is a serious illness that results in mental and physical health problems. Some foods that have been found to mitigate the risk of depression are poultry and dairy products, peanuts, and sugary items in low quantities.

Osteoporosis

This is a condition in which the bones of the body are weak and soft, resulting in the poor development and growth of the body. Vitamin D and calcium deficiency can cause defects in the spinal and skeletal system. Foods rich in vitamin D, such as bananas, spinach, milk, soy, and okra, can be consumed to eliminate or lessen the effects of osteoporosis. Sunshine and exposure to ultraviolet rays can further help by enabling the body to produce vitamin D.

Cancer

Although a lack of good nutrition might not be the only reason for cancer, a poor diet plays a key role in the development of the disease. People who consume more fatty foods are at a greater risk of having colon, uterus, prostate, breast, esophagus, or kidney cancer. People who consume greater portions of fruits and vegetables have a lesser risk of developing cancer. A diet that is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals can help prevent cancer. Whole grain bread, cereals, fruits, and vegetables should be consumed in greater quantities.

Chapter 7: Obesity – An Issue for more than 35% of American Adults Obesity is a term that refers to an accumulation of fat in the body; this is relatively different from being overweight. It occurs when food intake is greater than the body’s energy requirements. Obesity affects 78 million adults in the U.S. alone. Body weight might only come from muscle, bone, and sometimes water retention. Being overweight or obese would signify in a much heavier weight. However, obesity is a condition where the fat is present in the body in thick layers, which is a harmful condition. Obesity directly results from consuming more calories than needed by the body. Calorie requirements differ from person to person. Obesity is a serious condition that might affect the genetic makeup of a person, and serious cases of obesity can be passed on through the genes for generations. Being overweight is not a sign of a healthy and nutritious diet, and sometimes, an obese or being extremely overweight person could be undernourished. The excess fats might come from calories and excess food that the body failed to digest, thus forming a coating on the inside and outside walls of the body, resulting in a D-shaped body form. As obese people continue to consume fatty foods, they become more malnourished. Fiber intake seems to be lower in obese people, as they consume more processed foods that have more calories and lack essential vitamins and minerals. Obesity causes people to develop hyperinsulinemia – a condition that causes the body to produce high levels of insulin, such that the body absorbs fat through the cells, which then become swollen. Obesity tends to make a person weak. Therefore, when the body demands energy, such energy cannot be provided. Therefore, the individual feels weak, lethargic, and lazy. This might further cause the person to feel stressed and moody most of the time.

Obesity can increase the risk of diabetes, stroke, arthritis, and even some forms of cancer. Obesity causes serious health issues, as an obese person has excessive layers of fat. This condition is being marked as the second most important health concern after tobacco use and smoking. The number of those affected is increasing, making it a foremost health issue confronting the world. Obesity can cause other problems that might include depression, disabilities, problems in personal and sexual life, guilt that may cause further depression, social isolation, low confidence and willpower, destroyed self-image, and low achievement in many aspects of life. Medical experts have claimed that obesity rates have risen at a fast pace in the past three decades and are continuing to rise. The main reason has been identified as the change in people’s lifestyles. According to the British Journal of Sports Medicine, one of the main reasons why people gain weight is that manufacturers of processed food advertise their products in a way that gives the idea that if the food is condumed while maintaining a healthy lifestyle and burning calories, then the effects will be counterbalanced. However, medicine has revealed that this is not the case; even after people exercise and think they have burned enough calories for the effects of the processed food to wear off, packaged and processed foods contain chemicals and artificial nutrients that are hazardous once they are dissolved and absorbed by the body. The causes of obesity include: Lack of physical activity: The basic essence of food consumption is that exercising or doing any form of physical activity can burn the excessive calories and cleanse the body; however, when the body does not undergo any physical activity, the calories are stored and absorbed by the body, which results in weight problems. Unhealthy lifestyle and unhealthy eating habits: Binge eating, eating only one or two forms of calories and vitamins, and not consuming other forms of essential nutrients might cause the body to try to access and extract the nutrients from the calories, such that the body does not develop healthy cells but rather fat cells. Genetics: Although it is hard to believe, science and medical experts have confirmed that the stored amount of fat and obesity can be carried in the

DNA structure of the body. Fat cells can be determined before a person is born; this depends on the genetics and body structure of the parents. Medical conditions: Certain diseases and medical conditions restrict the physical activity of a person, and this can prevent people from exercising, thus resulting in weight gain and obesity. Moreover, some drugs and medicines release toxins and chemicals in the body that can directly cause the patient to gain weight or become uncontrollably hungry, such that the person consumes more food than needed. Social reasons: A busy schedule and long hours of work can leave less time for people to maintain a fitness regime and to have a healthy lifestyle. People have less time to cook and thus consume mostly packaged and processed food, which causes changes in the body structure and lifestyle. Moreover, social surroundings and peers have an impact on people’s lives, and this also affects the choices that people make. Pregnancy: One of the biggest factors that make women obese is not being able to lose the weight they gain during their pregnancy. If women do not immediately control their weight after they have delivered the baby, then there are more chances for that weight to become harder to shed off as time increases. Lack of sleep: Sleeping less or more than the requirement also tends to make the body gain weight because some hormones released in the body can increase a person’s appetite and cause more food cravings to occur. Quitting smoking: Given that smoking tends to tighten the body and the outer layer of the skin, quitting makes some people gain weight immediately; however, after some time, the effects wear off. According to health experts, some evidence has proven that sugar and sugary products contribute to the rising rate of obesity. Other reasons, which include alcohol consumption, smoking, and lack of physical exercise, have far less effects on the body than sugar alone. Medicine scientists have concluded that people who are overweight or obese should not only change their eating habits or perform physical activity alone. These need to be done at the same time. People who have or are developing health issues need to adopt an active lifestyle of eating a good nutritious diet and include physical activity in their routines so that they can become healthy.

Body Mass Index •

BMI < 18.5 = Underweight

•

BMI > 18.5 - 25.0 - 30 = Obese

Obesity and Lack of Micronutrients

The deficiency is caused by the lack of micronutrients is one of the most serious and concerning issues of the century. It is causing problems for people and is becoming a major health concern. The major diseases and the most common symptoms being experienced all over the world are due to the lack of a proper diet that has the essential nutrients. One important discovery is that people who are overweight and those who are underweight are over or under fed, but despite the differences in the intake of calories, both experience the same health issues. This is one of the most astonishing discoveries, and it has resulted in the finding that weight does not define whether a person is taking a healthy diet or not. Regardless of the size and weight of the person, health problems can be experienced without a well-balanced and a nutritious diet. Obesity has been noted as a disease where the body consumes more and still continues to desire more food. In reality, the body is pleading for the micronutrient requirement to be fulfilled, but all the body gets is calories. As a consequence, there is an imbalance in the mechanism of the body.

Obesity and Vitamins

Sometimes, nutritional deficiencies make the body fat and are a reason why people gain weight. The true value and importance of vitamins are often neglected and underestimated. Vitamins serve as protectants and fight off many diseases and health problems, as well as prevent the body from gaining weight. A direct relationship has been found between the vitamins and minerals consumed and how much weight the body gains. Similarly, the lack of essential vitamins may make it easier for the body to gain weight. According to the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, it if vitamin A is absent from the diet, people put on weight. The analysts examined the reactions of more than 18,000 Americans from a seven-year nourishment study and found that unlike people with typical weight, corpulent adults had 5% to 12% lower admissions of all micronutrients. A couple of particular inadequacies emerged, as well. Compared with ordinary weight adults, 20% larger adults had inadequate vitamin A, vitamin C, and magnesium in the diet. They were likewise more unlikely to meet the government-prescribed requirements for calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin E. Vitamin A has been significantly associated the reduction of fat cells. When this vitamin is absent from the diet, the body keeps producing and generating excessive fat cells that can make people obese within a short period of time. Vitamin D controls hunger and hunger-like symptoms and maintains balance. Without it, the body takes and demands meals. If this vitamin is absent from the body, the individual may feel hungry too rapidly or at odd timings and may thus consume more food than intended. This, in turn, makes people obese. Vitamin A is found in spinach and potatoes while vitamin D is found in eggs, salmon, and milk. Vitamin E is found in almonds and other nuts and seeds. Nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate also contain magnesium, which is important for the body. Based on a review on stout ladies, 13% had an iron insufficiency, and 10% had a vitamin B12 inadequacy. In another review, 9.5% were inadequate in vitamin B12, 25% in folic acid, 68% in copper, and 74% in zinc. According to another review, 35% of pre-bariatric surgery patients had insufficient magnesium, 19% had insufficient iron, and 17% had insufficient vitamin A.

According to the nutrient deficiency theory of obesity, there exists an indirect relation between the consumption of vitamins and weight loss. The more healthy vitamins and nutrients are consumed, the more the health benefits and the stronger the immune system. These also come with a decrease in weight. The better nourished a body is, the lesser the weight and the better the consumption of essential vitamins. Thus, the ratios and prevalence of vitamins show the type of body that a person will develop. Obese or overweight people tend to have a higher vitamin D deficiency than people with normal weights. This deficiency has been closely associated with heart problems, weakening of the bones, diabetes, and metabolismrelated problems. More importantly, vitamin D deficiency also causes weight gain. Vitamin D can be extracted from exposure to the sun and the ultraviolet rays, but obese and overweight people are socially less likely to go out and enjoy the natural environment. This is why they are likely to develop vitamin D deficiencies. Obesity also results from vitamin B deficiency; deficiencies of both vitamin B9 and B12 contribute to the acceleration weight gain. This also automatically results in iron deficiency, which is more common in children and adults who are overweight. Without vitamin B, the body cannot absorb and extract iron from food. The food remains unabsorbed and passes out of the body, thus causing weight gain. Furthermore, both iron and vitamin B deficiencies cause anemia and blood problems, as well as reduces the oxygen levels in the blood. Vitamin D is a gathering of fat-dissolvable prohormones, the two most noteworthy structures being ergocalciferol and cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3). Ergocalciferol or vitamin D2 is derived from plants. Cholecalciferol or vitamin D3 is the regular form delivered to the skin through photosynthesis initiated by the introduction to UVB. It is also found in live creatures, principally greasy fish. Vitamin D3 is, by all accounts, around 87% more effective in increasing and maintaining serum 25 OH vitamin D fixations and produces two to three times more noteworthy stockpiling of vitamin D than equimolar D2 in healthy adults. Vitamin D3 enters the blood while bound to a coursing restricting protein (VDBP), thus restricting the aggregate circling 25 OH vitamin D by 85% to 90%. This is transported to the liver.

The non-vitamin D restricting protein part (bioavailable vitamin D) comprises egg whites binding 25 OH vitamin D (10 to 15%) with less than 1% of 25 OH vitamin D in its free shape. Vitamin D is hydroxylated by the liver to deliver 25dihydroxyvitamin D3 (25 OH vitamin D3) or 25 dihydroxy vitamin OH D2 (25 OH vitamin D2). These metabolites are further hydroxylated essentially by the kidney using 1α hydroxylase (quality: CYP27B1) to create the bioactive structures 1α,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 and 1α,25(OH)2 vitamin D2. The catabolism of vitamin D and its metabolites happens in the liver through cytochrome P450 compounds. The bioactive 1α,25(OH)2 vitamin D3 is a hormone that controls quality expression in various cell types and tissues through the vitamin D receptor (VDR), an individual from the atomic receptor superfamily that directs the translation of many target qualities. VDR is found in most human tissues, including osteoblasts, muscle cells, pancreatic β cells, macrophages, and adipocytes. The omnipresent articulation of VDR underlies a connection between vitamin D insufficiency and scatters, for example, weight. Adipocytes could be included in the neighborhood blend, along with a corruption of naturally dynamic vitamin D. Vitamin D and VDR appear to be required for adipogenesis. Vitamin D status is particularly hard to break down because of the capacity of fat mass and the obscure extent of bioavailable structures 2-4. Notably, 25 OH vitamin D plasma focuses are utilized as a part of routine clinical practice to assess vitamin D status. Universal rules classify vitamin D status into four types, as indicated by serum fixations: vitamin D adequacy/ideal level ≥75 nmol/, inadequacy 5075 nmol/l, insufficiency 27.5-49,99 nmol/l, and extreme lack