Eating Healthy In America Essay

Most American adults want to lose weight, have more energy, and be in better physical health. Health is defined by the World Health Organization as “a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”. In order to become healthy in all aspects of life, one must decide to change their lifestyle. It is estimated that 45 million Americans diet each year and spend in excess of 33 billion on weight loss aids (Popular Diets: What Practitioners should know). In order for Americans to truly be healthy, they must be willing to have a complete transformation of their body and mind and not look for a quick fix of dieting alone.
Eating well is the first step in becoming completely healthy. People should consume food that fuels their bodies for the day. …show more content…
It is important to consume a variety of food daily for proper nutrient and vitamin intake. The nutrients in food are vital for proper growth and development and the prevention of disease. Water is essential for health and life and is the nutrient that is needed the most, which solidifies that eating healthy is essential for a healthy body. Energy is necessary for all activity, growth and body functions, breathing and circulating blood and oxygen throughout the body. Energy is so vital to survival that the body stores extra energy in the form of fat, when more energy is absorbed than needed. The three largest sources of energy are carbohydrates, protein, and fat. Carbohydrates play a major role in providing energy to the body. The energy produced helps brain and muscle function. Many foods that are rich in carbohydrates are also rich in vitamins and minerals. Carbohydrates are found in sugar, starch and fiber. Protein provides amino acids to the body. The amino acids that are formed by protein are the building blocks of life and are essential to the body. They build and repair body