Dec. 2, 2021
By Lily Malinowski
Staff Writer
What we eat on a daily basis may not seem like a top priority for many people, but it is much more important than one might think. According to a poll conducted by NPR, 75% of Americans say they have healthy eating habits. On the contrary, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has evidence that about 36% of Americans struggle with obesity.
It is crucial to make sure to eat enough food to fuel our bodies but also keep moderation in mind. In other words, balance is key.
The real question is: What is a balanced diet? To keep our bodies happy and healthy, we must consume all of the proper nutrients and vitamins. This is why eating a variety of foods—including proteins, fruits, vegetables and grains—is so significant.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner are equally important. Eating these meals consistently every day allows for the body to utilize all of its nutrients and gives it time to digest the food properly. Doing so also provides us with energy and is a big factor in keeping our mood and productivity up throughout the day.
Ask yourself a simple question: Do you eat breakfast? For many people, the answer is no. A survey by the NPD Group found that over 31 million Americans do without breakfast. Especially as students, starting off the day with some food in our stomachs is key to being able to focus and efficiently do what we need to do. Spending approximately one-third of our day waiting for lunchtime is problematic.
It is crucial to make sure to eat enough food to fuel our bodies but also keep moderation in mind. In other words, balance is key.
A healthy diet is like medicine; the proper nutrients and minerals increase the general immune system, which will help fight off sickness and prevent diseases. There are even some foods—such as eggs, salmon, spinach and seeds—that are proven to boost serotonin in the brain, which can improve our moods and happiness.
Eating healthy does not necessarily mean having salad for lunch every day. It is just as important to treat yourself with your favorite foods but to make sure to control the portion size, and eat them every once in a while. Restricting “unhealthy” food, or just restricting food in general, can lead to toxic behaviors in the long run.
Personally, I imposed severe food restrictions on myself in the past, and I have learned that it only brings negative results like loss of energy, mood swings and binge eating. We have to treat our bodies with kindness, and enjoying what you love and eating to satiety is a huge part of this. Everyone has different needs, so it is also important not to compare your diet with anyone else’s.
Don’t know where to start? Some healthy meals that I enjoy are oatmeal, homemade burritos with rice and chicken and breakfast sandwiches with eggs and turkey bacon. These are all filling, nutritious and tasty dishes that keep my body fueled and energized throughout the day. I recommend using online resources like TikTok and YouTube to find recipes that appeal to you and fit your lifestyle.
Food is one of the main essentials for survival. But, at the end of the day, it is also something that should bring happiness and comfort. Be sure to eat your veggies, but don’t ever stop yourself from having that slice of cake if that’s what your body is craving.
