Nutrition and your health

Women are looking for ways not only to look good, but to stay on top of the nutritional game by adopting new and healthier attitudes about eating and exercising. The days of the diet rollercosster may be over for health savvy individuals. Beauty and health begins in the head as attitudes, ideas and decisions are formulated first and then carried out.

This article will focus on a few nutritional facts for boosting health and nutrition in women.

Women and nutrition

Women in their twenties skip meals often due to the demands of their schedules along with the mistaken notion that this will cut calories. It has been long known though, that such practices slow the metabolism down, making it that much more difficult to lose pounds. Skipping breakfast.is a big no-no since this meal revs up the metabolism, giving the body fuel to start the day.

Important nutrients

Protein


Suggestions from specialists include upping the amount of protein intake since they help you to stay full and aids in building muscle, which burns calories. Some suggestions would be chicpeas, chicken breast, lean roast beef and fish.

Potassium

Potassium has many important functions in the body as cardiovascular performance-it helps keep the heart beat regular. It also regulates the blood pressure. (Sadly, many of the diuretics or water pills prescribed for hypertensive people flush the potassium from the body along with excess water. This keeps the cycle going as far as difficulties in blood pressure regulation). For African American women, this is particularly bad since they often develop blood pressure issues early on.

Suggested sources of potassium are bananas, oranges, strawberries and apricots.

Omegas

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for women in their twenties and again during menopause as the heart needs greater protection at this time. Omega 3s are also essential in the prevention of depression. They elevate serotonin levels, which is a chemical that makes you feel good.

To obtain natural sources of omega 3s try adding salmon, walnuts, ground flaxseed to the morning cereal and salads.


References:

Health and Fitness Ebony magazine