Fitness and Nutrition

Our body requires more than 40 different kinds of nutrients to ensure that our heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, brain, etc. are in good working condition. If all the different body parts work in tandem, we remain fit and healthy.

Fitness and nutrition are closely linked, but the question is how to choose the proper healthy diet plan without comprising the well being of our body.

For one, there is no short cut to a fit body. The simple rule is that we need to burn more calories than we consume. To burn fat, we need energy. If you think cutting down on fats and carbohydrates can make you far healthier, you are wrong- you will only end up harming yourself.

Our body needs energy to burn fat. If we don't eat carbohydrates for energy, then our body burns the muscle proteins to create energy to feed our brain and nervous system. In this way, we end up losing valuable muscle mass which is crucial to burn fat. This actually happens when we grow old, because when we age, we tend to gain weight. In the process, we lose muscle mass and are unable to burn adequate fat.

So to burn excess fat, you need to eat properly. Crash diets are just a fad which help you lose weight initially, but eventually end up harming your body. Once you stop the fad diet, the fat just gets piled on all over again.

The foods we must consume are divided into five food groups: fruits, vegetables, cereals, poultry and fish, and dairy products. A healthy diet plan should provide our body with a proper ratio of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. An excess or a deficiency of these will adversely affect us.

If we have less protein, our body will get a lesser portion of amino acids. These amino acids are necessary for protein synthesis, which helps build cells and repair tissues. Our immunity also takes a backseat, because amino acids are required to create antibodies which fight disease-causing viruses and bacteria. Similarly, if our protein intake is high, it creates a stress on our liver and kidneys and also hampers calcium absorption.

Fitness doesn't merely mean being physically fit. It is a holistic lifestyle which includes our mental and emotional state too. If we eat well, we look and feel good. Once we cut out the harmful foods, we can see the change and gain newfound energy and confidence.

Children are also victims of junk, fried, and processed foods. Childhood obesity is on the rise, and teenagers suffer from anorexia and bulimia because they have body image issues.

Make yourself aware of important health issues. Decide what kinds of food are good for you and which ones are bad for your health. Make wise and informed decisions, because once you start eating right, your fitness level will increase, and your body will get more energy to function optimally.

To learn more check out: Healthy Eating/Diet Plan [http://www.chrisedwardshealthfoodandfitness.com] OR

Lose Lower Belly Fat [http://www.lose-lower-belly-fat.com]

Thanks,

Chris Edwards

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_R._Edwards