Introducing

Provider Healthy Eating - Nutrition Program Introduction

The Provider Healthy Eating Nutrition Program is designed to help you better understand the basics of nutrition so you can eat and shop properly and make wise food choices. We recommend that you apply the knowledge to your everyday food choices. You can then build upon this knowledge for long term success.

"Nutrition 101" - The Basics Of Nutrition
Foods are composed of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, along with vitamins and minerals. Your body depends on all of these essential nutrients for good health. Nutrients are used by the body to provide energy.

A balanced diet must include all of the essential nutrients but only in the calories you need for weight maintenance. Weight loss occurs when more calories are used by your body than taken in. Weight gain occurs when more calories are consumed than used.

Remember, all excess calories, regardless of their origin, turn to fat. Your body only uses or "burns" what it needs. Excess calories from protein, carbohydrates or fats are stored in the body as fat.

Nutrients Summary
Proteins are the building blocks of the body, and are necessary for the growth and repair of tissue. Protein also provides energy for your body. They are generally consumed from beef, fish, fowl, eggs, diary products and certain nuts and grains.

Carbohydrates are used to meet the body's immediate energy needs - especially those of the brain. They also provide energy for numerous body functions and help in the digestion and absorption processes.

Fats provide the body with stored energy. They are also useful in protecting organs and nerves and providing insulation for the body. While these are essential functions, only small amounts are needed for this task. Fats are derived from butter, margarine, oil, dairy products, and even some protein sources.

Vitamins are essential for specific body functions of maintenance and growth. A balanced diet will provide a broad range of essential vitamins. If a diet is deficient in vitamins, a vitamin supplement is needed.

Healthy Eating - Nutrition Program
Minerals support the structures of the body and regulate many body functions. Here again, the balanced diet will contain adequate minerals, however in some cases your physician may recommend a supplement.

Water is essential to all body functions. Without it , the body cannot survive more than a few days.

Provider will continue to provide you educational material on nutrition, exercise and lifestyle change that encourages a healthy and positive lifestyle.

Purchase your nutrition products online in the Provider GearShop.