Whether you’re starting a weight loss journey or simply want to be more conscious about your eating habits, here’s what you should know about fundamental nutrition for optimal health:
Building Blocks Of A Balanced Diet
The key to eating a nutrient-dense diet is to create a plate that’s balanced with foods that have nutritional value, specifically in these 3 categories: protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. Protein is one of the building blocks your body needs to build muscle and bone tissue, control metabolism and blood sugar, promote heart health, and so much more. It’s also fundamental for helping you feel satisfied and less prone to craving sugar. Carbohydrates are another building block largely responsible for turning food into energy, and not all carbs are classified as “bad” as you might have thought. Your body benefits the most from complex carbohydrates found in whole grains such as wheat, barley, oats, quinoa, brown rice, etc. Lastly, knowing the difference between healthy and unhealthy fats is important. Healthy fats are also known as unsaturated fats, like Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon, tuna, olive oil, avocado oil, seeds, and nuts. These healthy fats maintain healthy cholesterol levels, help control appetite, regulate hormones, and so much more.
Common Nutrients Missing From The American Diet
Adults and children both are often lacking in the ideal daily fruit and vegetable intake, resulting in an abundance of missing nutrients in their diets. Some of the most common are:
- Fiber– this vital nutrient is found in whole grains and most fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts, seeds, and legumes. It helps slow digestion and keeps you full for longer.
- Vitamin D– used in numerous organ functions, Vitamin D supports a healthy immune system; good food sources include fatty fish, eggs, and mushrooms.
- B Complex Vitamins– folate, B12, niacin, and riboflavin are examples of the B vitamins, and while they’re sometimes added to fortified foods such as cereals, the best way to get them is by eating more eggs, fish, dark leafy greens, bananas, and mushrooms.
- Calcium– strong bones and healthy teeth have to be supported with calcium, which requires other nutrients like Vitamin D and magnesium in order to be fully utilized.
- Magnesium– beneficial for cognitive function, sleep and stress hormone regulation, mood, and more, magnesium can be found in nuts, seeds, beans, avocado, and spinach.
Nutritional Supplements: Are They Really Necessary?
For many people, nutritional supplements provide an extra boost of vitamins and minerals that have been depleted due to a poor diet or medication-induced deficiency. A few of the best nutritional supplements most adults need include probiotics, Vitamin D3, Omega-3s, and magnesium. Probiotics help maintain a healthy gut and digestive system as well as strengthen the immune-gut barrier. As mentioned above, Vitamin D3 and magnesium are two of the top nutrients for fundamental nutrition, and Omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial for heart and brain health, in addition to being a great anti-inflammatory.
A Foundational Multivitamin For You
ActiveVit Essentials is a comprehensive multivitamin including vitamins A, C, E, D, and several of the important B vitamins, calcium, magnesium potassium, zinc, selenium, and chromium, along with other vital nutrients such as NAC, resveratrol, inositol, ALA, and more.
- Basic nutritional formula for overall wellness
- Supports detoxification and antioxidant activity
- Promotes energy production and stress response
- Ideal for individuals with inadequate nutrient intake
Are you interested in learning more about fundamental nutrition and how you could benefit from a customized supplement plan? Schedule a nutritional supplement consultation with our experts today for personalized recommendations!
