When it comes to health, many people think that exercise is the key to staying in shape but still neglect to adopt healthy eating habits. Not only can this undermine any workout routine, but it can also lead to a variety of terrible health complications.
With so many unhealthy food choices out there, it can be a real pain to choose what is right for your body. Even so, it would be best if you did not give in to the temptation to eat whatever is convenient. Here are five crucial warnings you should think about the next time you’re considering what to eat.
Different Types of Fat
Most people think that fat is a bad thing. Maybe because the word is associated with being overweight. The truth of the matter is that not all fats are the same, and some fats are good for you. Not getting enough of the good fats can lead to just as many problems as eating too many bad fats.
Generally speaking, trans fats are to be avoided while saturated fats are to be consumed in small quantities. These are the two that you need to concern yourself with. Make sure you’re checking the back of food in stores to see how much of these are in the products you buy.
Lack of Vitamins
It is no secret that foods these days are not made with health in mind. That being said, it should come as no surprise to you that most foods don’t contain the vitamins you need to function as a healthy individual. The good news is that there is an easy and affordable remedy for this problem.
There are plenty of vitamins and supplements available that can easily fill the gap left by most foods you buy. They come in a variety of forms, from capsules to drink mixes, making it easy to get what you need. If you’ve been in poor health despite exercising, eating right, and everything else, taking vitamins and supplements is probably the missing ingredient for a healthy lifestyle.
Fast Food is Worse Than You Think
Everyone knows that fast food isn’t right for you, and that’s true. The thing is, many people tend to underestimate the negative effects it can have on the human body. Fast food is about as far from “organic” as food can be while still being classified as food. The chemicals used in the creating and preservation of fast food can take their toll on the human body, especially if you eat it frequently.
While you don’t have to avoid fast food altogether, you should drastically limit the amount that you eat. Picking up a burger once a week isn’t going to kill you but doing so every day could have dire consequences.
High Fructose Corn Syrup
This is an issue that has only recently started getting attention and you may have even noticed that some products at the grocery store say “No high fructose corn syrup” on them. This is because this substance is an “added sugar,” which is to say, a sugar that has been processed. Heath concerned that can arise from consuming large amounts of the substance include weight gain, poor nutrition, cavities, and even increased risk of a heart attack. The American Heart Association has warned that added sugars should only be eaten in minimal quantities.
The Problem with Soy
Many people think of soy as a healthy food, but there are certain problems with it that can’t be ignored. Soy contains chemicals that can have several negative consequences, such as increased estrogen, thyroid suppression, and mineral absorption blocking. While soy isn’t going to kill you, it should only be consumed in moderate quantities. Eat nothing but soy products and think you’re getting healthier, it is likely just the opposite.