Why Should You Watch Your Meal Intake?
Controlling food intake is important for many reasons, primarily to maintain optimal health. Overeating, especially foods high in saturated fat or sugar, may lead to many health problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
Those who do not control what they eat are at a risk for obesity, which also can lead to health issues.
It is also important to obtain sufficient calories and nutrients by ensuring one's diet meets the guidelines set by nutrition experts.
Obesity prevalence has increased from ∼5% in the 1960s and 1970s to 15% in 1999 to 2000 in U.S. children and adolescents.
In the U.S. children and adolescents, reported energy intake (EI) increased from ∼1800 kilocalories in the late 1970s to 1960 kilocalories in the mid-1990s. The development of childhood obesity can likely be attributed to both increased energy intake and decreased energy expenditure.
Huang’s research was to examine the epidemiological relationships between eating patterns and BMI percentile in children and adolescents.
In the research, they found that energy intake, portion size, and energy content of meals were significant factors associated with BMI percentile from as early as 6 years of age.
Not only that, adults today consume an average of 300 more calories per day than they did in 1985.
We are emphasizing portion control because a portion is how much food you choose to eat at one time, whether in a restaurant, from a package, or in your own kitchen.
A portion is 100 percent under our control. Many foods that come as a single portion actually contain multiple servings.
Therefore, it’s essential that you pay close attention to your calorie and portion control!
Living It Up Anywhere
The idea of living your best life can be done anywhere, at any time, and all it really takes is a mindset shift. Take it one core lifestyle habit at a time, whether that is eating healthy and less, daily exercise, quitting bad habits, getting a routine checkup, or being positive. Take a chance today to Live It Up!