A Diet For All

It is important to maintain a healthy body weight throughout life.  Since no one is exactly the same a diet must be able to let the person acquire adequate amounts of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals, while also limiting being underweight, overweight, or obese.  The body mass index (BMI) can be used to measure which category a person falls into (CDC, 2014).

(The Fashionable Housewife, n.d.)

 

Underweight

Underweight people have trouble recovering from operations, fighting illness, increased risk of bone fractures, and do not have adequate storage's of essential nutrients (Sizer & Whitney, 2013).  Consuming enough calories and choosing whole foods is important to a healthy body (Sizer & Whitney, 2013).  Additionally, exercising may increase your appetite (Mayo Clinic, 2014).

Overweight and Obese

There are numerous health issues that are correlated with a person being overweight and obese  (Sizer & Whitney, 2013).  These include diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, hypertension, and cancer to name a few (Sizer & Whitney, 2013).

(Texasmama12, 2012)

Preventative Measures for a Successful and Healthy Body Weight

There are three aspects to consider for a health body, consuming food must be measured to ensure proper caloric intake, everything in moderation, and plenty of exercise (Sizer & Whitney, 2013).  Little changes in habits such as simply taking the stairs when available will make a tremendous difference in the long term.  A diet means just that.  It is the meaning of the food that is consumed.  It does not need to be a trendy diet plan and no gym membership is needed (although some instances may require a gym membership for access to a pool for low impact exercise).  The pyramid below is also a great tool to begin and maintain a healthy diet.

(Lempert, 2005)

   

References:

CDC (2014).  Adult bmi calculator: english.  Retrieved on September 21, 2014 from

http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/assessing/bmi/adult_bmi/english_bmi_calculator/bmi_calculator.html   

 Lempert, P, (2005).  The new food pyramid: what the stripes mean.  Retrieved on September 21,       

          2014 from http://www.today.com/id/7562220/ns/today-today_food/t/new-food-pyramid-
           
             what-stripes-mean/#.VB9jqhYfJSk

 Mayo Clinic (2014).  What's a good way to gain weight if you're underweight? Retrieved on

September 21, 2014 from http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/expert-answers/underweight/faq-20058429

Sizer, F. & Whitney, E. (2013).  Nutrition: Concepts and Controversies (13th ed.).  Mason, OH:

Cengage Learning.

Texasmama 12 (2012).  Prevention of underweight, overweight, and obesity.  Retrieved on

September 21, 2014 from http://healthylifestyle-2012.blogspot.com/2012/08/prevention-of-underweight-overweight.html

The Fashionable House Wife (n.d.).  Is bmi really that important?  Retrieved on September 21,

2014 from  http://www.thefashionablehousewife.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/obesity-table.gif