This is a research paper about the importance of healthy eating. It is true that healthy foods can improve all the aspects of ones life, hence the importance of introducing a course in nutrition for all college students. It is also discusses some of the diseases that arise as a result of unhealthy eating habits among college students, while giving the reasons why w need to eat healthy foods. Eating healthy can improve all aspects of your life Introduction One of the behaviors that every person can change to improve his or her health would be the eating habits.
Eating and physical activity patterns are critical aspects of health and well being. They not only contribute to a young person’s current health, but are also important for his or her future health status as an adult. Healthy eating patterns and regular physical activities promote optimal health, growth and development in child and adolescence and reduce the risk for chronic diseases in adulthood such as coronary heart disease, cancer and stroke. The eating habits established during ones childhood are normally extended into adulthood.
Healthy eating is important as it helps in the improvement of emotional wellness, in management of stress, increasing your level of physical activity, improving your diet while at the same time helping you to be a wise consumer. Since healthy eating can improve all aspects of ones life, a course in nutrition should be mandatory for all college students. Healthy eating defined Healthy eating can be defined as the habit of eating a variety of foods which provide you with all the nutrients needed in order to maintain your health, to have energy and to generally feel good.
Foods rich in nutrients, including carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals water and fat should be included in everyday diet, for one to be a healthy eater. Most people consume diets that are deficient in some essential nutrients. For example, many people prefer to take vitamin supplements instead of taking foods rich in vitamins like fruits and vegetables. Eating healthy foods is important as it affects several aspects of your life that are important for your general well being. (What does healthy eating mean, 2008)
Poor eating habits Today, most people decide on what to eat, whether they are children, teenagers or adults with no supervision. This is common especially to children with a single parent, who in most cases is busy, or in families with two working parents. These habits have further been promoted by the availability of convenience foods and fast-food restaurants in the community and in the school cafeterias which inhibit the ability of parents to monitor their children’s eating habits.
Yet, eating habits are important to a young person’s health, weight, and emotional well-being. A demand for nutrients and energy results from a large spurt in growth and development during growth in teenagers, increase the unhealthy eating habits. Poor dietary habits displayed especially by teenagers include skipping meals, especially breakfast, avoiding nutritious foods like fruits, milk, or vegetables out of dislike. Also, dieting and frequent consumption of “fast foods” and other low nutritive high energy foods amount to poor dietary habits.