Nutrition...its all about education and discipline.

It never ceases to amaze me how little the average American understands simple nutrition. Not only do they not understand the ramifications of what they put in their mouths, but they do not even try to educate themselves even though there are resources upon resources at their fingertips!

The other day, I simply explained to an acquaintance the importance of iron in her diet in order to raise her blood count and prevent her chronic anemia. Why a doctor hasn't explained this to her, I am unsure. Maybe a doctor has. I dont know?? But she seemed amazed to learn that iron was essential to help her hemoglobin levels increase and in turn give her more energy due to the amount of oxygen that could be delivered to her organs. When I asked her what her diet consisted of, it was evident that she wasn't eating near enough iron. I explaind to her how leafy greens, red meat, and some beans and nuts are great sources of iron. I went on to tell her that simply taking a multi-vitamin with iron would help as well. She looked at me and smiled and thanked me with true gratitude for sharing this knowledge with her. When she walked away, I felt great that I could help and could only hope she would improve her diet and start taking supplements. Yet, I was amazed that this simple information was never explained to her before. I sometimes take it for granted that the average person understands all of this.

Now don't get me wrong, I was once one of the millions who didn't educate myself or care to either. I possess a Bachelors Degree in Biology and Medical Technology, but yet didn't bring my brain to the basics of nutrition and how it was affecting my health and fitness. I was young! I was invincible! I could eat whatever and be fine. I had great metabolism! It wasn't until that "great metabolism" slowed down that I started looking into strategies to lose weight. I will be honest, I was looking into this at first in order to just lose weight. I did my own version of the low carb thing for an easy fix. I paid very little attention to the nutritional and health aspects of it.

I then noticed the quick detioration of my mother's health due to her late onset of diabetes. I remembered my father's painful death from colon cancer. I looked around me at the numerous overweight, sickly individuals that surrounded me in my healthcare field. I didn't want that to happen to me. Although, I understnad genetics has a huge impact on many diseases I knew I could change my lifestyle for the better to improve my chances of not suffering. Even suffering from simple things that were already affecting me...i.e. constant heartburn. So what did I do? I do what I do best, I did research . I then proceeded to change my lifestyle with nutrition and exercise.

I am a firm believer that excess sugar is the number one reason Americans are so overweight with so many health problems. Excess sugar in our diets keeps the pharmaceutical companies in business. It has even been shown to be a cause for depression and anxiety. Still, it is not only essential to know the excess of this addictive legal white substance causes the many issues humans fight, but it is just as important to understand the lack of the numerous nutrients our body needs. It's all about getting back to the basics. Back to the natural foods God has provided for us.

Don't get me wrong, I am far from perfect!! Anyone that knows me knows I still have my vices. I also still eat "the bad stuff". That will never go away. Our world today has too many temptations, and I have developed many bad habits that I may never completely shake. I believe you should still enjoy life. Still enjoy the gifts of taste, feelings, excitement, etc. that God has given us. Still, I believe it is all about balance. Making sure "the good" way outweighs "the bad".

Now if we could just get the average American to break the cycle. To step away from their addictions. Too look at their diet from the outside looking in, rather than listening to the brain who has been trained for years to want the quick, easy, convenient food. If more people would want to look at their hunger and cravings from a different perspective and re-train the brain.

I want to do my part to help others. I hope to do this in my future part-time career as a ceritified fitness trainer. The main issue, though, is that the people have to want to hear it. They have to want to change. When I can help others and they do make changes, it makes me feel so good. It can be as simple as telling someone how much their energy level can increase by just adding some more iron to their diet. It's all about basics. No rocket science. Basics of nutrition is what I want to share. I guess I will see if others are willing to listen....