Physical preparation and fitness for the uniformed services The term lifestyle is a combination of attitudes, habits and behaviours that have a significant influence on the way a person lives and experiences their daily life. It is used in a variety of ways in the context of human development. It sometimes refers to the particular attitudes and habits that a person has, or to what is typical of a defined group of people. In this sense the lifestyles of ‘healthy’ people are seen to be distinctive and different form the lifestyles of ‘unhealthy’ people. ‘Lifestyle’ is also associated with the consumption or use of a whole variety of things that affect human health and development. These range from the foods you consume to the use of alcohol, drugs and cigarettes. In this sense, ‘lifestyle’ factors refer to both your attitudes and behaviours.
There are several factors that can influence a persons lifestyle, either positively or negatively. The nutritional and dietary choices that a person makes can lead to a healthy or unhealthy lifestyle, a person needs to maintain adequate nutrition to meet their specific health and growth needs, food that contains a high level of fat, sugar or salt is likely to be of poor nutritional quality. Another factor that can influence a persons lifestyle is the amount of exercise they do. A person that takes more exercise is more likely to live a healthier lifestyle than a person that does not take regular exercise.
Stress can also influence lifestyle, if a person is stress it may be down to factors within their lifestyle, such as excessive work roles/long hours, lack of sleep, health problems or financial commitments and problems. On last factor that can affect a persons lifestyle is alcohol and drugs. Although alcohol is legal and widely used within the adult population, if it is misused then a person may show a variety of health and mental risks. A healthy balanced diet should consist of: 60% CARBOHYDRATES- an important constituent of almost all foods and an excellent source of energy food. If consumed before and after a workout, the workout will be more effective. According to The balance of good health sheet, a person should consume 6-14 measures of carbohydrates per day.
Sources include: bread, beans, pasta, rice, dried fruit etc. A well balanced diet supplies the recommended daily allowances (RDA’s) and nutrients that vitamin pills lack. Fibre is one of these nutrients. Fibre, also referred to as ”roughage”1[3] can be consumed from whole grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, lentils and beans on a daily basis. Fruit and vegetable fibre helps slow down the absorption of sugar into the blood, helping to maintain good energy levels. People in the UK should consume an average ”22 grams of fibre a day”2[4], this has shown to lower rates of bowel diseases such as bowel cancer.
Foods lacking in nutrients can result in faulty digestion, gut infection and has an effect on every bodily system; skin becomes dull and sluggish, and the body is not able to detoxify itself as it should. Acidity is one of the effects, some people produce too much hydrochloric acid(hcl) and results in indigestion and a burning sensation. Meat, fish, eggs and other concentrated proteins can aggravate acidity. Excess sugar can also result in gut infection. If the gut contains the wrong type of bacteria, or perhaps overgrowth of a yeast organism such as candida albicans- a high sugar diet can aggravate this problem.
Foods containing indigestible carbohydrates can cause wind and constipation. Meat, cheese, eggs, refined grains and wheat are all constipating foods. Cereal fibre is excellent at preventing constipation and putrefaction of food, which are the underlying causes of many digestive complaints. Improving digestion is the corner stone to good health. Energy levels improve, skin becomes brighter and cleaner, and immune system is strengthened.
MALNUTRITION – is a worldwide disease and occurs due to deficiencies in diet. Starvation is a form of malnutrition and continues to be a significant problem especially amongst children. Deficiencies in diet causes people to feel ”high”3[5] and spaced out and separated from emotions. According to a recent study in California University, poor nutrition, characterized by Zinc, Iron, vitamin B and protein deficiencies, in the early years of childhood leads to anti social behaviour, aggressiveness and a low I.Q level. ZINC: required for tissue growth and repair especially in the growing foetus; aids bones and teeth. Also known as trace mineral as it is required in a smaller quantity. RDA(Recommended daily allowance) for children is ”7mg and Adults 15-50mg.”4[6] However, 2g or more of zinc can result in gastro-intestinal irritation, vomiting, anaemia, reduced growth and stiffness.