Nutrition
Nutrition: The process of providing or obtaining the food necessary for health and growth. Food. Nourishment. Have you ever heard of the saying ‘you are what you eat?’ It’s time to do a nutrition check. What am I feeding myself? Am I having enough fruits and vegetables? Am I having too much red meat or unhealthy fats? Am I giving my body, the temple of God a fighting chance to be healthy and strong? Today I choose to walk in divine health. I will not just pray over my body. I will feed on God’s Word and feed by body well (that includes resting my stomach sometimes as well). He has created ALL that I need to maintain good health!
The Mediterranean Diet
Many of you may have heard about the Mediterranean Diet and wonder what is it all about. Some of you might not even have heard of it. We want to look at the Mediterranean diet a bit as it offers numerous benefits. The Mediterranean diet is a heart healthy eating plan based on typical foods and recipes of Mediterranean style-cooking. Most healthy diets include fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains and limit unhealthy fats. The proportions of each food group consumed can make a big difference in your risk of heart disease and other disorders.
According to the Mayo Clinic’s website research has shown that traditional Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of heart disease and an analysis of more than1.5 million healthy adults demonstrated that after adopting the Mediterranean diet there was a decreased risk of death from heart disease and cancer, as well as a reduced incidence of Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. The Mediterranean diet is healthy, delicious and can be enjoyed by the entire family. Here is what it looks like:
© http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/mediterranean-diet/art-2004780 - 4/3/15 @ 0746
Key Components of the Mediterranean Diet:
Eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts
Replacing butter with healthy fats, such as olive oil
Using herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor foods
Limiting red meat to no more than a few times a month
Eating poultry and having fish at least twice a week
Drinking red wine in moderation (optional)
The diet also recognizes the importance of being physically active and enjoying meals with family and friends.
Comparison to Canada Food Guide
Fruits and Vegetables:
Mediterranean Diet provides 6-12 servings per day (Canada Food Guide recommends 7-10)
Grain Products:
Mediterranean Diet provides 4-6 servings per day (Canada Food Guide recommends 6-8)
Milk and Alternatives:
Mediterranean Diet provides 1-3 servings of low fat dairy products per day (Canada Food Guide recommends 2)
Meat and Alternatives:
Mediterranean Diet provides 1-2 servings of poultry, fish and shellfish per day (Canada Food Guide recommends 2-3)
Other:
Mediterranean Diet recommends one glass of red wine daily (Not mentioned in Canada Food Guide)
Additional information from Canada Food Guide
The health tips on this website are for informational purposes only, and they are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
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References
http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/mediterranean-diet/art-2004780 - 4/3/15 @ 0746)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean_diet. Retrieved 04/03/15 @ 0800
https://www.google.ca/search?q=canada+food+guide&biw=1033&bih=892&tbm=isch&imgil=y-f8MCFXGSIOoM%253 Retrieved 04/03/15 @ 0804
https://www.google.ca/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=v_NtVM-NLOjL8gen44DQBg&gws_rd=ssl#q=WHAT+IS+NUTRITION%3F Retrieved 04/03/15 @ 0832
