6 Pillars of Student Formula

Posted on 28. Feb, 2010 by in Family Nutrition

Most of us have enough on our figurative plates that we don’t have the time to think about what’s on our dinner plates — but we should. Nutrition is permanently intertwined with your health, and if you don’t put much thought into nutrition, your health will certainly pay the price.

Whether you are a regular whiz in the kitchen, or are scared to death of cooking your own meals now that the cafeteria’s closed for the summer, doesn’t matter. You have the power to cook (or eat raw) the foods that will make your body thrive.

That’s why we here at the Nutritional Institute are so devoted to spreading the word about the power of good nutrition — and why we’ve devoted this entire newsletter to just that.

What follows are the six most important factors to look for when choosing what foods to eat and which to avoid. We believe so strongly in these six nutritional pillars, that these are the standards upon which every STUDENT FORMULA™ product is based.

Keep these in mind next time you’re out grocery shopping, eating out or cooking dinner with friends, and you’ll be setting the stage for a healthy future.

1. High Protein

You need to eat protein with every meal. Why? Because protein is not stored in your body, so you need to replenish your supply regularly throughout the day. Protein helps your body to:

  • Synthesizes enzymes and hormones
  • Maintain fluid balance
  • Boost your metabolism
  • Keep your immune system functioning properly
  • Build muscle
  • Maintain a healthy weight

2. Good Fats

A balance of the different kinds of natural fats — monounsaturated, polyunsaturated and essential fatty acids — is essential to proper nutrition. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, fish oils and STUDENT FORMULA’S Inside Out™, are extremely beneficial to health, for instance, as are the monounsaturated fats in olives and olive oil. Including healthy fats such as omega-3 in your diet may help prevent:

  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Inflammation
  • Diabetes
  • Digestive disorders
  • Cancer
  • Autoimmune diseases

One fat that has been linked to many health problems, and which you want to avoid, is trans fat. Trans fats are found in anything with hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oil in the ingredients.

3. Low Sugar

Added sugars, whether they’re called corn syrup, fructose, cane sugar, brown sugar, or any other name, are “empty carbs.” These sugars, along with other highly refined products like white flour, offer zero nutritional value, but a lot of calories. Eat too much of these and the excess will be turned into body fat while wreaking havoc on your blood sugar levels. As much as possible, choose foods that are low in sugar.

4. High Fiber

Fiber offers huge benefits to your health, from helping to regulate the flow of fats and nutrients into your bloodstream and helping your digestive tract to function efficiently to aiding in the prevention of some kinds of cancer.

And, there’s good news. Bran muffins aren’t the only way to get more fiber into your diet: try fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains instead.

5. Sufficient Vitamins and Minerals

Sensible, healthy eating tends to promote the intake of necessary vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients that your body needs to perform its daily functions.

Since, in today’s world, we’re also bombarded with pollution, stress and environmental toxins coming from all angles, it’s especially important that you pay attention to eating healthy foods.

If you’re not eating healthy, your health is not up to par or you feel you’re not getting enough nutrients for whatever reason, don’t hesitate to add vitamins and other dietary supplements if you determine you need them. Just be sure that, if you choose a brand other than STUDENT FORMULA™, the brand meets with the six standards we’re discussing here, and which you’ll find in all of STUDENT FORMULA’S™ products.

6. No Trans Fats

We mentioned this one in standard #2, but it’s so important that we’re telling you again. Study after study has confirmed that trans fats have detrimental effects on human beings. There is NO safe level to consume, so check package labels diligently. Pass up anything with hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils.

Fortunately, food makers are now required to list the amount of trans fats in their foods right on the nutrition facts label. So, always check how much tans fat any food you’re considering eating contains (it should be listed right under saturated and other fats on the label). If it’s more than 0, take a pass.

Products that commonly contain trans fats include fried foods, margarine and shortening, pastries, crackers and cookies.