There’s no two ways about it – people are confused about what to eat. The media is flooded with conflicting views on what’s healthy and what’s not, and every few years there’s a new dietary fad that completely contradicts the one that preceded it.
Remember the low-fat revolution of the late 1980s and early 1990s? All forms of fat were vilified as the cause of obesity, cancer, and heart disease. By the end of the 90s (perhaps because the majority of the public saw no reduction in their waistline) the pendulum swung in the opposite direction. Carbohydrates were the culprit, and people were encouraged to shun grains, starches, and fruit in favor of juicy prime rib and green salads. The list of diets goes on: Zone, cave man, South Beach, grapefruit … some are more extreme than others, but none have effectively cured the American health crisis.
To make matters worse, the supermarket itself is daunting and confusing terrain. Items we know as junk food are sold in small 100-calorie packages and are marketed as weight-loss friendly. Highly processed snack foods are artificially fortified with health-promoting vitamins and minerals. So what’s really healthy? How can we know how to eat properly?
The answer to this difficult question is surprisingly simple: educate yourself about nutrition. Every time we feed ourselves we have a choice, and as these choices become more complicated, knowledge about food and nutrition is the ultimate source of empowerment. The truth is that there is no one-size-fits-all diet. Factors such as age, gender, size, lifestyle, ancestry, blood type, and metabolism all influence a person’s nutritional requirements. The key is to identify which diet works best for each person as a unique individual. The more you know, the better equipped you are to make smart and successful decisions.
Nutrition schools, once a specialized education track primarily for registered dietitians and nutritionists, are now providing people of all backgrounds with the tools they need to make smart food and lifestyle decisions and become their healthiest. To accommodate people’s busy schedules and to make tuition more affordable, many nutrition schools now offer online and distance-learning programs. This option makes it possible for people to balance their education with their careers and other life commitments.
In addition to educating people about health and wellness, nutrition schools also give people the knowledge and skills they need to help others adopt healthier lifestyles. The health problems that America faces are unprecedented, and there has never been greater need for health professionals that can guide people towards healthier lifestyle changes. Nutrition schools like the Institute for Integrative Nutrition offer Health Coach Training Programs that help people launch new careers as Health Coaches. Now more than ever, people need support and guidance to overcome their health challenges, and becoming a Health Coach is a realistic way to enter this growing field and begin changing the world.
If you want to learn how to make healthier food and lifestyle choices and are interested in an education in nutrition, research the nutrition schools that are available in your area or online. Choose a nutrition school that teaches about many different dietary theories. Not only will this education help you take control of your health, but it may also inspire you launch a new career that fits your values and will make a positive difference in the world.