Nutrition is one science we will always need as long as we live. It is vital that everyone understands the basics to lead a healthy life. Although nutrition is a complex and hard science, this article simplifies it into practical concepts you can easily understand and apply at home.

Why Do We Need Nutrition?

For our bodies to function properly, they need energy and nutrients daily. This is why it’s crucial to eat to live. Energy and nutrients are provided through food, and nutrition helps us understand our nutrient requirements, their food sources, and how food interacts with our individual health.

Nutrition also plays a role in managing various disease conditions and physiological states such as pregnancy. Several factors influence nutrition outcomes, including genetics, food preferences, availability, eating habits, diseases, and knowledge.

The Basics of Good Nutrition

Good nutrition is founded on several principles, which will be discussed in this and upcoming articles. One of the most critical principles is moderation, a concept that can apply to all aspects of life, including nutrition.

What Is Moderation in Nutrition?

In nutrition, moderation means eating only what we need without exceeding the required amount. While this may not always be easy, it is a habit that can be learned over time. Our stomachs have a natural way of signaling when we are full, and the ideal time to stop eating is when we receive that signal.

There is often a temptation to clear the plate, but doing so may lead to consuming more than our bodies need. Moderation requires us to listen to our bodies, eat only when hungry, and stop once we feel satisfied.

Moderation in Food Choices

Moderation is also essential in deciding what we eat. Foods such as alcohol, fatty dishes, carbonated drinks like soda, cakes, sweets, and other treats should be consumed sparingly or avoided when possible. These foods are known culprits in contributing to obesity and diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular issues, and even cancer.