Nutrition 101 | #THEHUE
Your guide to reshaping your relationship with food and how to pivot your lifestyle toward a lifetime of nutritious nourishment for thriving.
Like with sleep, the cornerstone of any health-enhancing regimen is your nutritional choices, which hold equal importance toward optimal health. The age-old saying rings true– you are, in fact, what you eat.
The food you consume is the sole source of fuel for the myriad of functions your body carries out. It’s also what keeps you alive. It’s a habit you rarely need reminding of, but it is the fundamental difference between those who thrive versus those who merely survive.
The quality and quantity of what you eat matter. Many studies have shown that portion control and eating in moderation are keys to longevity. In fact, it’s likely why fasting is a widespread tradition across much of the world.
#1 The nutrients in food are what power every cell and function in your body.
Your body, a complex matrix of cells– as the smallest unit of life– demands nutrients to function. These nutrients, sourced from what you ingest, catalyse your cellular functions to help you sustain your well-being; underscoring the relationship between your diet and your vitality.
#2 Think critically and act proactively in your dietary decisions.
While we want to trust the food available to us, the unfortunate reality is the food industry isn’t as straightforward as it should be. The drive for profits, intrinsic to many corporations, tends to invite cost-cutting measures that occasionally allow for hazardous additives to make their way into the foods we eat. This is, of course, is not a universal truth and there’s also not a single entity or person to blame. But, while I believe those in the food industry aren’t intentionally malevolent, most are likely unaware themselves of the long-term impact they might be inflicting, as the issue in our food systems is systemic and rooted in complex histories, legacies, and economic realities.
The dominant food system around most developed and developing nations are a legacy of the industrial era of post-war America. The standards created by the needs of the time, prioritised efficiency, speed, and low costs– favoured cheap ingredients, optimised production, and maximised profits. This isn’t a villainous plot but a residual effect of the circumstance and the development of capitalistic ambitions. Also, the lack of awareness to the potential harms caused by these cost cutting and optimisation measures are likely— as we are only just starting to hypothesise on the potential cause and effect, reflected in the rapid rise of diseases globally— such as the obesity epidemic and the rise of cancer in younger demographics.
Recognising that blind trust in the food industry is not advisable, is also not a cause to blame or fault anyone. Rather, it’s a call to awaken yourself to the realities of our world; as for generations, our world has been predominantly structured to serve a profit-driven consumerist culture. Thus, the longterm impacts of these short term conveniences were not well understood. It’s why critical thinking and curiosity in educating yourself about these matters are imperative for your health and wellbeing. So, aim to educate yourself as much as you can, so that you’re able to make more informed decisions.
