I think most would agree that what you put into your body has a major impact on how you feel, perform and your overall health? Our daily diets must provide us with all the essential nutrients for optimal health and body functioning. More than two-thirds of Americans do not get adequate amounts of many essential nutrients.
There are many reasons we fail to attain the necessary nutrient requirements. Our busy lifestyle is a major deterrent that keeps us from planning what we consume. I want to challenge you to never let your busy schedule get in the way of proper nutrition. It is just too important to leave to chance.
Depending on how busy your schedule is, you may need to plan your meals a day in advance. I know schedules change and things come up, but I am just asking that the night before your busy day, just devote a little thought about when, what, where, how you possibly could, and will, yes I said will, incorporate good nutrition and supplementation into that agenda.
Also having a plan “B” in place may be very helpful. This could be as simple as packing a small cooler filled with bottled water, meal replacement bars, shakes, or your favorite fruits.
I have found that even with the busiest of schedules, having healthy choices readily accessible is a great way to succeed in giving your body what it needs daily, for optimal health. Just think, these quick meals may even save you some time.
Remember your health is just as important as anything that you will do today, and every other day of your life. The well known concept of “plan your work and work your plan” will serve you well when choosing proper daily supplementation and nutrition.
This week’s key component is minerals. Minerals are inorganic chemical elements that must be present for the maintenance of health.
They are important for body structures and for controlling body processes. Except for iron, minerals are not used up in the body, but are excreted after carrying out their functions. This is why mineral losses must be replaced regularly.
Four major minerals found in the largest quantities are calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Each has important roles.
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and is critical for strengthening the bones and teeth. It is essential for cell function, muscle contraction, blood clotting and the transmission of nerve impulses from nerve endings to muscle fibers.
Calcium rich diets have long been associated with reducing the risks of Osteoporosis.
Iron is essential in the formation of certain enzymes and is the core element in hemoglobin, which is the oxygen-carrying structure of the red blood cell. Low iron diets may result in a blood disorder called anemia. It is often categorized by fatigue, sluggishness, and loss of appetite. Eggs, spinach, and prunes are an excellent source of iron.
Magnesium is also required for teeth and bone formation, muscle contraction, and transmission of nerve impulses. Nuts, seafood, whole grains, and leafy green vegetables are good sources of magnesium.
Potassium is a well know mineral that along with sodium and calcium maintains normal heart rhythm, regulates the body’s water balance, promotes cellular growth, aids muscle contraction, and conducts nerve impulses.
Other minerals that are very important to your body processes and recovery are as follows:
Zinc supports the immune system.
Copper aids in the healing processes, and red blood cell formation.
Manganese helps support reproduction and growth, and the connective and bony tissues. It is also associated with free-radical fighting enzymes.
Selenium is also a free-radical fighter and helps support the immune system.
As you can see, minerals are very important and the lack there of can really have a major impact on your overall health.
Inadequate nutrition in our lives also comes from poor food choices and modern day industrial practices such as food processing that depletes many of the nutrients in the foods we eat. This is where consuming balanced proteins, good carbohydrates, low fats, and proper vitamin and mineral supplementation becomes ever so important each and everyday.
I challenge you in your quest for optimal health and weight management to continue learning about the vitamins and minerals needed by your body.
Choose daily vitamin supplements that can help deliver those nutrients frequently missing from your diet.
Lead a healthy lifestyle and you are well on your way towards providing your body support for an improved quality of life and enjoying a lifetime of wellness.
In closing, please don’t forget to maintain your water intake at an average to above average level at all times! 64 to 96 ounces is a great place to start.
Now my question is this...Do you have minerals in your program? If you don’t, I trust you will have soon. Keep up the good work everyone.
Until next week’s column, please go out and make it a great fitness day.
SHAWNEE, Okla. —
