Creighton University

What does healthy eating look like?

If we were to believe advertising and commercials, we would think healthy, normal eating is either constant dieting or regular consumption of high-sugar, high-fat fast foods and snacks. Neither is true. Long-term caloric restriction can lead to an eating disorder, and a steady diet of sugary and fatty foods, especially in the absence of physical activity, can produce overweight, obesity, and the health problems associated with those conditions.

Healthy eating is just one aspect that defines a healthy lifestyle.  Sleep and exercise are among other vital elements:

• At least eight hours of sleep every night, more if you need it. Sleep deprivation seems to impair the way the human body uses insulin, which can lead to weight gain and possible problems with blood sugar.
• Thirty to sixty minutes of physical activity every day. It does not have to be done all at one time, and routine activities such as climbing stairs and yard maintenance count.
• No smoking, ever, and if you use alcohol, no more than two standard servings per day for males and one standard serving per day for females.
• A nutritious breakfast every morning. Ninety-six percent of everyone who loses weight and keeps it off eats breakfast every day, according to Ann Yelmokas McDermot, a nutrition scientist at Tufts University (USDA Nutrition Research Center)

Source: Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders www.anad.org