Food is definitely something we cannot live without. Everyone depends on it for survival. The food we eat should contain all the nutrients our bodies need to perform our daily routines, jobs and activities but for most of us today the food we eat contains fewer nutrients than in years gone by and in fact is increasingly loaded with things we should avoid like sugar, salt, additives, pesticides and herbicides.
However, did you know that even food can be used as an approach to heal or relieve ailments? Yes you read that right. Even the chocolate bar you may be munching on right now may be relieving your stress. How is that possible? Well, chocolate has over 200 chemicals that increase the levels of endorphins in the body. Endorphins are the natural pain killers of the body. Not only that, chocolate contains phenylalanine which is a known substance that makes you feel happy or gives you that giddy feeling when you’re in love. Food has a great impact on health, energy, mood and even appearance. The saying: “You are what you eat” definitely applies to nutritional therapy.
Food has a lot of benefits which is why there are books about nutritional therapy available in any book store. The good news is that nutritional therapy can be easily done at home and you don’t have to spend much.
So what exactly is nutritional therapy? Nutritional therapy is the use of nutrition to promote optimum health in an individual to combat diseases or ailments. Now there is no one diet that is perfect for everyone. So, for best results, ask a nutritional therapist to develop a nutritious diet specifically for you.
However, there are things you can do right now to start nutritional therapy at home. Simply follow the guide lines I’ve mentioned below and you are on the right road to a healthy lifestyle and diet.
- Limit the amount of packaged and processed foods you have in your cupboards. Always read the labels and ingredients of the food you buy as these foods often contain heaps of sugar, salt, hydrogenated fats and preservatives that do us no good at all.
- Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables – aim for 5 portions a day. Eating salads is a great way to help you on your way to this but be sure to limit the amount of dressing you use!
- Stick to water as your drink of choice. Even better make it filtered water and use it for cooking too.
- Limit the biscuits and cakes that you have close by and may get tempted by during the day. This will help cut down on excess sugar and carbohydrates that we take in.
- Salt may be an important ingredient to your special dish but don’t keep adding salt when you think the taste isn’t quite enough. Salt is a major factor that causes high blood pressure so lay off the salt.
These are just simple tips to follow on nutritional therapy right at home. Start the right choices, starting with the food you eat today. Live healthy and happy!