Eating Habits

   What is the purpose of food? Why do we eat? It provides our bodies with sustenance, helps give energy to our muscles, and supplies our brains with the things we need to function properly. That’s what food is for. So what’s up with poor nutrition?

   Well, for most of us, food is more than just sustenance. It’s not a chemical equation, easily calculated to figure out what goes where in the body. It’s a memory in a flavor, a culture in a bite. We have holidays, traditions, and gatherings, all with food at their focus. As intelligent beings, we require more than just mere sustenance to make it through the day. Food isn’t just good for our bodies, its good for our hearts (so to speak).

   Although food is nearly as important to us emotionally as it is nutritionally, it is also important to remember that unhealthy food can lead to excess fat build-up. Too much of the things that make our taste buds smile can also play a role in problems such as, atherosclerosis (thickening of the artery walls) and hypertension (high blood pressure).

   To combat the risk of future heart disease, I’ve started trying to cut out sweets. It’s a difficult task that requires diligence and discipline. For me, motivation is the key when trying to accomplish something. After a difficult workout at the gym, I can say no to sweets by telling myself that the several moments of pleasure are not worth all of the work I just put in.

   The CDC reports that over one third of the population of the United States are classified as obese (obesity is defined as having a BMI of over 30). As a society, how did we get so heavy? The simplest explanation is that we have become more sedentary and do not eat the proper nutrients to accommodate for such. The CDC would agree, saying that “obesity result[s] from an energy imbalance. This involves eating too many calories and not getting enough physical activity.” This could be a result of our work force switching from labor-intensive occupations to less physically demanding ones.

   We need food to survive. And even though it can be delicious and it’s nice to enjoy, we need to remember that at its roots, food is nutrition and should be treated as such. The negative affects of a poor diet can have some serious consequences and can also be downright dangerous. I love food and I’m sure you do too. But let’s work on making our diets better.