Today, with a world in constant change and where we are always in a rush, we forget how important our health is.
Students, or even the university staff, find themselves in a constant rush. Many times, we think that 24 hours is not enough for all things that have to be done in one day. We attend classes, go to the library, go to work, or have to attend practices. The use of our time and the organization of it is very important. We should always take care of our health, and in the face of such a rush, where it seems there is no time for everything, it is of vital importance to our nutrition.
Why is having a balanced diet key in terms of our healthcare? Well, according to Marilyn Gordon, affiliate assistant professor in the Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine at NSU, when having a well-balanced nutrition individuals will not only see changes physically but also mentally.
Gordon states that “your brain and your stomach are connected. So, what goes down here in your gut actually influences your brain, a lot has to do with serotonin, a hormone that stabilizes our mood, feelings of well-being, and happiness and other things. So, someone has a very unhealthy digestive track that also will affect their brain and their thinking.”.
In addition, following a healthy diet, consuming the proper amount of proteins, fiber and also having regular intervals when eating will help individuals to respond effectively in every task they perform, even when studying or during class.
There are different tips to having a healthy diet. Every country has its cultural characteristics and methods, or traditions even when targeting their meals. I eat four meals a day that includes breakfast, lunch, an afternoon snack, and dinner. But in comparison with the US culture, there is no afternoon snack rather just breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In face to this type of diet, Gordon argued that, “eating four times a day, can actually be better. When it comes to meal structure that can be helpful.”
Moreover, she explained that culturally the US society is certain why the act of eating and the intervals of it become unimportant, and so they can eat whenever they want to, which consequently lead to poor eating habits.
“Eating is an act of kindness,” saidGordon.
Breakfast is considered as the most important meal of the day. That is why during the morning shift each of us takes the necessary time to prepare an appropriate breakfast, where there are proteins and natural fibers that will then provide us with a large amount of energy. In just a few minutes, you can make a few scrambled eggs with some fruit or even some toast with a fruit jam. We can also choose alternatives such as yogurt and cereals. There is no need for a fancy breakfast. These few options can take just 5-10 minutes.
Lunch is a recharge of energy. Through lunch we activate our mind and body, and thus, we can continue with vitality the rest of the day. You can include a grilled chicken with vegetables and greens, a salad, and even some pasta for lunch. Pasta is of great nutritional and energetic value. As with breakfast, this type of recipe or dish does not require a very complex preparation or a lot of time. Chicken, pasta, and some salad can be good options for your lunch.
The snack is sometimes not considered in our diet. However, thanks to it, we reduce the number of calories consumed at dinner. It is not necessary that such food be of great quantity. It is only to satiate the appetite for a couple of hours and then have dinner. It is important that snacks are not cookies or chocolates. The key is to replace processed foods with fruit or even yogurt.
Finally, dinner is the last meal of the day, and both what you eat, and the amount requires attention and care. Dinner should be balanced and light. Simple and healthy options could be sauteed vegetables, some broth or also add some fruit for dessert.
