Last blog, I briefly discussed the importance of a balanced lifestyle. While a balanced lifestyle can be shown in so many ways, the one I would like to discuss today is nutrition. Nutrition is defined by Merriam-Webster as “the act of process of nourishing or being nourished.” Although this may seem like a simple definition, there is so much more to it. Nourishment is an essential part of life, from newborns to elderly. Nutrition provides us with a certain kind of lifestyle, feeling a certain way, and more. Within nutrition, it is so important to have balance.

Throughout our lives, we have seen so many parts of nutrition. From dieting, to fasting, to vegan, to vegetarian, keto, and more, we have seen so many aspects of nutrition. You are probably wondering, who cares? The answer is that as a society, we should all care. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,) the US obesity prevalence was 41.9% in 2017-March 2020. Although around 40% may not seem like an issue, this is almost half of our country’s population. You are probably wondering, why is this happening? The truth is, there is so many reasons, whether it be because of money, convenience, or other things, such as balance. If you are financially instable, it is harder to eat a balanced diet, but easier to get a cheap meal like McDonalds, Ramen, or boxed Mac and Cheese. While these things are enjoyable every once and awhile, it is not nutritious to eat daily. On the other hand of obesity, there is eating disorders. ANAD states that 28.8 million Americans will have an eating disorder in their lifetime. Once again, you are probably wondering, why? The answer is once again, so many reasons, one being balance.

Within all of this, it could all be so much better with balance. It is pointless to restrict one certain thing in life, and especially in nutrition. For example, if you solely restrict chocolate, when you get the opportunity to eat it, you will probably cave in and eat all the chocolate imaginable. In reality, this is unsustainable. It is better to have a balanced diet, without restriction, but yet something such as 80/20. For example, eating nutritious foods such as whole grains and vegetables 80% of the time, but yet also eat your favorite foods like cake and ice cream 20% of the time. This way, it is balanced, and you will not have to worry when to eat what as much.

Overall, nutrition is a huge issue in America’s society. Finding balance in nutrition is an even bigger issue but finding this balance will help America as a whole, making us healthier. When we are fueled properly, we feel better mentally and physically. Having to stress over eating habits is something that no one should have to do, as eating should be enjoyable and something we cherish. Next time you struggle with having a balanced diet, always remember this quote from Horace; “Healthy eating is a way of life, so it’s important to establish routines that are simple, realistically, and ultimately livable.”

Sources:

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nutrition

https://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/adult.html

https://anad.org/eating-disorders-statistics/