Healthy Eating

Essay by fivetwosevenCollege, UndergraduateA-, October 2009

download word file, 6 pages 5.0

Healthy, balanced eating habits provide nutrients to your body. Nutrients give you energy and keep your heart beating, your brain active, and your muscles working. Nutrients help build and strengthen bones, muscles, and tendons and also regulate body processes, such as blood pressure. Using the tools provided on the MyPyramid website, I was able to evaluate and analyze what I eat and compare it to what I should be eating. The MyPyramid daily recommendations for me are to eat 7 ounce of grains, 3 cups of vegetables, 2 cups of fruits, 3 cups of dairy, and 6 ounces of meat & beans. I know that I don't currently get enough of most food groups but using this information I can see where my diet is lacking and take steps to get healthier.

By eating a healthy, balanced diet, I will get the necessary nutrients as well. The six classes of nutrients are water, vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

Nutrients have three functions: to provide energy, promote growth and development, and regulate body function. Most nutrients have more than one function. Carbohydrates, proteins, and fats provide energy. Proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water all promote growth and development as well as regulate body function. The opposite of nutrient rich foods are nutrient lacking foods, called empty calories. These foods are high in calories but have no nutritional value. Some examples are French fries, fried chicken, chips, candy, pop, alcoholic beverages, and refined grains like crackers and cookies. I have a bad habit of eating a lot of empty calories. I eat French fries often which can contain up to 30g or total fat with no nutrients. I drink often as well and alcohol has a lot of calories but nothing else.

MyPyramid suggests making sure that at least half...