How do you define nutrition? How important is nutrition to you when it comes to your health, well-being and longevity? Are you nutritionally fit?

Wikipedia defines nutrition as ….”Nutrition is the biochemical and physiological process by which an organism uses food to support its life“.

Today, it’s super easy to forgo nutrition for taste and flavor. In America and other countries, a fast-food business is literally within one mile of each other – if not closer! On top of that, many remain open until late night hours, waiting for those willing and ready to devour their favorite cheezy burger, deep fries and a large (moo….a.k.a. milk) shake.

Now I’m not one to judge anyone for wanting to enjoy a little snacky-snack every now and then. God knows I do, but there’s no change I’d depend on foods like these for quality nutrition I need to remain health, lean, strong and vibrant.

If fact, with the increasing cost of doing business in 2024, many food companies are forced to cut corners when it comes to supplying consumers with quality food products that are high in nutrition.

Others living financially squeezed are not hesistant to run into a discount store to purchased can and boxed foods. I’m not judging these folks, I’ve been in this position before and I can tell you first hand – there’s little to NO nutrition of quality found in foods sold in any 0.99 cent store!

A recent survey of nearly 700 Americans showed that 72 percent believe they are healthy eaters, yet government data proves otherwise.

The USDA recently revealed that Americans get plenty of protein and carbohydrates, but often fall short on key nutrients such as magnesium, potassium and vitamins C and E.

“Fifty years ago, we only recognized extreme cases of vitamin deficiencies, like scurvy, which is caused by a lack of vitamin C,” said Carroll Reider, MS, RD, Nature Made vitamins director of scientific affairs and education. “Science has advanced. We now know that even small amounts of vitamin deficiencies hurt us much more than people realize.”

While most Americans appear well fed, a key question is: Are you nutritionally fit? To assess your nutritional condition, Reider posed the following questions:

Do you shun the sun? People who wear sunscreen, live in northern climates or have darker skin may not receive optimal levels of vitamin D, which is made following exposure to sunlight. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and may also promote ovarian, breast, prostate, heart and colon health.

Reider suggests 1,000 IU of vitamin D daily for people who spend most of their time indoors and those who don’t synthesize vitamin D easily, such as darker- skinned individuals and the elderly. Vitamin D food sources include milk and fatty types of fish; however, it is hard to achieve optimal intake through food alone. It is also available in supplement form.

Do your meals lack color? Does dinner typically consist of meat, starch and the same green vegetable? For optimal health, add more colors to your diet. Vegetables such as steamed carrots, peppers and red cabbage add vibrant hues to the dinner plate while citrus wedges brighten the standard bed of greens.

Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables maximizes nutrient intake and provides antioxidants, which help fight free radicals that may cause premature aging. “A multivitamin formulated for your age and gender is also a good way to compensate for dietary imbalances,”Reider said.

Is fish a regular dish? The American Heart Association recommends two servings of fish per week. Reider suggests salmon and tuna, which are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Some studies suggest omega-3 fatty acids may promote heart health. Other sources include walnuts, flaxseed or vitamins.

Thanks for reading this article to the end!

Much love, health and happiness to you,

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