Healthy Living

Nutrients 1: Energy Our bodies need energy to grow and repair themselves, keep warm and do physical activity. Energy comes from food and drink, in particular from carbohydrate, protein, fat and alcohol. This energy is measured in kilojoules (kJ) or calories (kcal), with 1 kilocalorie equalling 4.2 kilojoules. In nutrition calorie and kilocalorie are sometimes used to mean the same thing. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are the main providers of energy in our diet. Every body cell, including the brain, requires a constant supply of glucose as fuel, most of which is provided by the carbohydrates in food and drink. Fibre Foods rich in fibre also contain powerful protective agents, such as antioxidants and phytochemicals. High fibre diets can also help in weight control and the management of diseases such as diabetes. Protein Protein is a source of energy but its main role in the body is growth and repair. It helps in the formation of muscles, hair, nails, skin and organs, such as the heart, kidneys and liver Fat Contrary to popular belief, fat is an essential nutrient with a host of important functions within the body. It is essential for supplying the body with omega 3 and omega 6 essential fatty acids, producing healthy cell membranes and maximising the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble antioxidants (such as lycopene and beta-carotene). Fat is found in many foods and comes from both animal and vegetable sources.

Nutrients 2: Nutrition.gov is a USDA-sponsored website that offers credible information to help you make healthful eating choices. It serves as a gateway to reliable information on nutrition, healthy eating, physical activity, and food safety for consumers. The site is updated regularly by a staff of Registered Dietitians at the Food and Nutrition Information Center (FNIC) located at the National Agricultural Library (NAL), Agricultural Research Service (ARS), U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The website receives content guidance from a working group that consists of scientific experts in food and nutrition within USDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). It is funded by the Research, Education and Economics (REE) mission area of USDA. The materials found on this website are not intended to be used for the diagnosis or treatment of a health problem or as a substitute for consulting a licensed health professional. Thank you for visiting Nutrition.gov!

Fitness 1: I WANT TO GET FITTER. Being active and getting fit is good for our heart health, blood pressure, waistlines, energy levels, and mental health. But sometimes we choose to prioritise social occasions involving a lot of eating and drinking, we get too busy at work, or we have so many responsibilities at home that we stop making time for exercise. For our own sake, we need to make sure we’re getting enough exercise. Most of us go through phases of being quite active, and phases when we lose motivation and are not. When we stop doing exercise, we quickly lose fitness and can feel sluggish. Here are some ideas to help you get fitter and stay motivated.

Fitness 2: Fat Burning Man. Abel James, the owner of this site, lost 20 pounds in 40 days using short, intense bouts of exercise and a paleo-ish diet that he dubs The Wild Diet. His site currently centers around a podcast where he interviews some of the world’s smartest health experts and fitness coaches.

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