Bailey Clack, a dietitian at Baylor All Saints Medical Center at Fort Worth answers frequently asked question about maintaining a healthy diet.
What is nutrition?
Nutrition is the science of food, the nutrients they provide, and how the nutrients are utilized by the body. It is the process of nourishment based on the body’s dietary needs.
Why is nutrition important?
The World Health Organization states “Good nutrition – an adequate, well balanced diet combined with regular physical activity – is the foundation of good health. Poor nutrition can lead to reduced immunity, increased susceptibility to disease, impaired physical and mental development, and reduced productivity.”
Which foods should you buy organic?
According to the Environmental Working Group’s list called the “Dirty Dozen” apples, celery, sweet bell pepper, peaches, strawberries, nectarines (imported), grapes, spinach, lettuce, cucumbers, blueberries (domestic), and potatoes should be purchased organic. However it is far better to eat any fruit and vegetables as opposed to none.
How many calories should a person eat daily?
Every person has different calorie requirements based on their body’s needs and activity levels. However, people usually require between 1800-2400 calories per day to maintain their weight. To prevent decrease in metabolism women should eat at least 1,200 calories and men 1,500 calorie per day. Healthy weight loss is no more than 2 pounds per week.
How much in the daily food group should a person eat to stay healthy?
The amount of each food group needed differs for each person based on their gender, age, and physical activity level. Specific information may be obtained at www.choosemyplate.gov.
However, the daily ranges generally include:
1-2 cups fruit
2-3 cups vegetables
5-8 ounce equivalents grains
5-7 ounce equivalents protein
2-3 cups dairy
5-7 teaspoons oils
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin that can be obtained from skin exposure to the sun. It is present in very few foods, however it can be found in some dairy products and breads. It plays an important role when it comes to bone health because it promotes calcium and phosphorus absorption. (Adapted from www.eatright.org)
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About Baylor Scott & White Health
As the largest not-for-profit health system in the state of Texas, Baylor Scott & White promotes the health and well-being of every individual, family and community it serves. It is committed to making quality care more accessible, convenient and affordable through its integrated delivery network, which includes the Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Research Institute, the Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance and its leading digital health platform – MyBSWHealth. Through 51 hospitals and more than 1,200 access points, including flagship academic medical centers in Dallas, Fort Worth and Temple, the system offers the full continuum of care, from primary to award-winning specialty care. Founded as a Christian ministry of healing more than a century ago, Baylor Scott & White today serves more than three million Texans. For more information, visit: BSWHealth.com
