Healthy eating and the instant gratification generation

In today’s busy environment, home cooked meals and fresh produce have been replaced in many homes by take-aways, ready meals and frozen convenience food. This means that we are no longer eating as healthily as the population did a few decades ago and our bodies are lacking essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals which we would get from healthy eating. As a generation which has been described as wanting instant gratification, we rely on snacks and meals that are ready in minutes and generally there seems to be a lack of concern about the additives, chemicals or composition of the food we are using to fuel our body. Supplements and Substitutes Protein shakes, vitamin tablets, isotonic drinks and supplement powders have replaced a large amount of the fresh fruit and vegetables that we used to consume in the past. High performance athletes rely on synthetic energy boosters and even the average man on the street seems to be using protein shakes or powders to build muscle, boost energy or lose weight. While there is a time and place for these supplements, a balanced diet is still an essential component of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and these products should never be used to replace this. They should simply complement an existing dietary plan or exercise program. The BBC recently asked scientists to create their perfect meal and their solution was actually quite simple. Fish, potatoes, broccoli and carrots were deemed the ideal meal option. A meal made from these ingredie...
Source: Mental Nurse - Category: Nurses Authors: Tags: Health generation Healthy eating nutrients Source Type: blogs