Food & Health

What you eat plays a critical role in your health status. Making the right food choices can help you prevent or manage some of the common illnesses that we see in this day and age.

Obesity

Obesity has become a widespread illness, not only in the U.S., but worldwide. It is a risk factor for several chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and the list goes on. Although genetics can influence body weight, diet and lifestyle choices also play a major role. Increased calorie intake and decreased physical activity is one of the main ways that a person can gain excess weight.

A calorie is considered energy. The more "energy" you eat, the more energy that should be used through physical activity. If the "energy" eaten is not used, it gets stored in your adipose tissue, also known as your fat cells. Ever had someone tell you not to eat closer to bed time when you're trying to lose weight? Thats because you'll be eating "energy" that you won't be needing or using when lying in bed, meaning that it will likely be stored as fat.

Some good ways to reduce your calorie intake include: 1.) Reducing dietary fat, as it contains more than twice as many calories per gram when compared to other macronutrients; 2.) Choosing more complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, which provides a good amount of fiber and can be filling without the extra calories; and 3.) Minimize your sugar intake. Sugar adds the calories without making you feel full.

Progression to chronic disease due to obesity is preventable with some physical activity and better diet choices!