Dallas ISD Men’s Health Month: Nutrition is key
Educators’ schedules don’t always leave room for meal planning, but success in life and on the job is often tied to good nutritional choices. Local health and fitness expert Dimitrius Glenn shares some nutrition tips as part of Dallas ISD’s Men’s Health Month series.
Of course, it’s nearly impossible for anyone to achieve health and fitness goals without a proper nutrition program and good eating habits. It’s easier to follow a proper nutrition program when you understand how the body coverts food into fuel. Since water consumption is vital, the recommendation is to gradually consume water over the course of the day. Make a plan to figure out how to spread out the total consumption in a way that works with your daily schedule. It might take some trial-and-error experimentation to develop a working plan. Just remember that the right amount of water is the key to good nutrition.
Carbohydrates are extremely important because they fuel the body. Making sure that you load your first meal with healthy carbohydrates like fruits will give you a good start. Use vegetables and proteins throughout the day to supplement high fiber foods that can balance your energy levels throughout the day.
Proteins are essential for the growth and repair of all body tissues. They are not an efficient source of energy, and the body only uses protein as fuel in extreme cases when no carbohydrates or fat is available. Protein should not be the primary source of food intake.
Vitamins are essential nutrients because they help cell functions. While they are not a source of energy, they are essential in helping the body make energy.
The key to eating for fitness is being clear how your body uses food and choosing the proper foods and the right portions that benefit your bodily needs. For the type of schedule worked by most educators, a few nutrition options include bringing to work fresh fruits/vegetables, nuts and water.
Doing some meal preparation to have these healthy snacks handy means that when hunger strikes, you will be able to put something healthy into your bodies instead of reaching for processed foods that don’t contribute to your nutritional balance.
Even if you don’t have time for preparing meals and snacks ahead of time, you can still make healthy choices when buying prepared meals at fast food restaurants and stores. Pay attention to the ingredients, calories and your nutrition plan to make sure you are getting the variety you need to maintain your wellness and your fitness goals.
For other men’s health topics, visit www.dallasisd.org/benefits.
