fit-tritionally-fit-blog

[fit-tritionally-fit-blog]

This will be my first and extremely basic, generic, dumbed down, “fit-tritionally-fit” blog. First, the term “diet” in the United States is a complete misnomer. We throw this term around as though it has something to do with a temporary fix, fad, or catch-all to our health, fitness, and weight...

[fit-tritionally-fit-blog]

[fit-tritionally-fit-blog]

Common Sense "Diet"

This will be my first and extremely basic, generic, dumbed down, "fit-tritionally-fit" blog.  First, the term "diet" in the United States is a complete misnomer.  We throw this term around as though it has something to do with a temporary fix, fad, or catch-all to our health, fitness, and weight problems.  Diet, is supposed to be a sustained lifestyle of nutritionally, healthy, eating.  When someone offers me food that is loaded with empty calories, lacking in nutritional value and I decline due to the fact it's not part of my diet the typical first reaction is, "why would you be on a diet...you don't need to lose weight."  In our American culture of over indulgence, quick fixes, and universally blanket solutions, we have a difficult time coming to terms with the idea that a diet is a lifestyle and not a fad or weight loss solution.  When I discuss dietary patterns, and behavior with individuals they react with a defense mechanism.  They initially tell me I have no room to talk because I'm just blessed with good genetics and a high metabolism, as if we as individuals have no control over our level of fitness, or health.  I have even had people tell me that they are just overweight, have heart disease, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, etc. because it runs in their family and there is nothing that can be done about it.  Enough studies have been performed to show that there are very few diseases that are strictly genetic (down syndrome, sickle cell anemia etc.)  We have a tendency to blame our high cholesterol, heart disease, type 2 diabetes etc. on our genetics when the reality is that some of us have a higher propensity for these diseases because we have shared and continue to share the same dietary habits and practices as our parents, family, etc.  Some of us may genetically be more susceptible to being larger, having high cholesterol, or a number of other issues, however, they can typically be controlled or contained with a proper diet.  I am not just blessed with good genetics and a high-metabolism.  I eat very few empty calories, have a large consumption of phytonutrients (plant based), and watch my overall dietary habits.  In short, although we are not completely exempt from genetic propensities, we can control and are to a large extent, responsible for our nutritional well-being, by the decisions we make and the dietary habits we practice.