I Am What I Eat

Food for thought: When I make my food selections, do I think about how the food I am eating affects my body?

Understanding how food and nutrition affects our body requires us to first understand our body. The person we see in the mirror is an organism. Our body is an organism made up of several structures. The structural order is atoms > molecules > cells > tissue > organs > organ systems > organism, which we just learned is the person we see in the mirror. [1] There are many details to be explored with each structural level of our bodies but let’s focus on how nutrition/nutrients is a vital role in how these structures operate.

Depiction of organizational structure of the human body.

 

A nutrient is a substance in food that is used by the body for normal growth, maintenance, and repair – and we receive nutrients through the food we eat. [2] The chemicals from the nutrients we eat are used for our body’s energy and for building our cells. Carbohydrates provide energy to fuel our body cells, proteins are essential for building cell structures, and while fats assist in building cell structures, they are imperative for providing cushion body organs and reserve fuel. Fat is our bodies stored energy. [3] Carbs, proteins, and fats are 3 of 6 essential nutrients. The other 3 are vitamins, minerals, and water.

Essential nutrients in food form - Just Add Water.

 

Creating a foundational relationship with food that consist of the six essential nutrients is a lifestyle habit that can possibly prevent chronic conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. Pairing mindful eating with a plate of essential nutrients promotes aging with vitality. Aging with vitality is what we consider living a Fresh Life!

 

Reflection question: How will considering that my food choices affect my entire body as a living organism influence my food choices?

Marieb, Elain Nicpon. Essentials of human anatomy and physiology. The human body – an orientation. Pg 3.[1]

[2] Marieb, Elain Nicpon. Essentials of human anatomy and physiology. The human body – an orientation.Pg. 487.

[3] Marieb, Elain Nicpon. Essentials of human anatomy and physiology. The human body – an orientation. Pg 9.