Page 128 - South Mississippi Living - May, 2021

HEALTHY LIVING
story and photo by Luke Height
Nutrition 101
Growing up, everyone has sat in a health class and heard about the food pyramid. At the bottom are grains and starches and at the top are sugar, junk food and alcohol. This is the picture that was painted for our culture. However, it is not the full picture. Leonardo Delgado, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt, owner of American Martial Arts Academy and certi ed nutrition coach in D’Iberville, clari ed what we really need to know about nutrition.
Delgado says, “I believe the key aspect of nutrition is, regardless of your preference, to focus on
whole, nutrient-dense foods.” This means distinguishing between foods that are llers
and processed and the foods that are natural and packed with vital nutrients for the body to use as fuel.
Many in the eld of health and
nutrition focus on counting calories. Delgado takes a di erent approach, “In my opinion, the biggest misconception is the belief that in order to look good and feel healthy, people need to live in constant restriction. Most of us could and should be eating way more than we actually are.”
his main concern is wholesome and healthy food. He says, “High processed foods are usually the culprit of poor health.” Foods that are packaged, fast foods, and other processed foods often correlate with sub-par overall health and malnutrition.
Luckily, Delgado has said there is a way to get on track to reach optimal eating and healthy habits. “Start simple. Cut out processed foods and integrate whole, unprocessed foods into your diet,” says Delgado. “Taking out the processed foods and
bringing in more fruits, vegetables and healthy meats can dramatically a ect nutrient intake and overall
health.”
When it comes to nutrition and health,
there is more to it than just food. “When you engage in exercise, you tend to
become more mindful about your choices. Exercise is a lifestyle. It will support your nutrition and eating healthy will improve your performance. It’s a beautiful cycle,”
says Delgado.
The healthier you become, the more you
will notice how processed, unhealthy foods
Instead of such a focus on lowering caloric intake, he says it would be better to focus more on the nutrient density of the food ensuring we get enough to eat. Often times, people who are not eating enough continue to have di culty losing weight.
Even though Delgado’s approach does not neglect counting calories or macro-nutrients (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins),
a ect the body. As you begin enjoying exercise more and feeling healthier, you will be more likely to be successful in making small changes that lead to you living a healthy lifestyle. Often, it’s hard to turn down the foods
that feel the most comfortable and are easiest to acquire or prepare. But with better habits and a clearer picture of nutrition, it’s possible to separate the wheat from the cha or in this case the processed from the non-processed.
Leonardo Delgado
128 | May 2021
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