The United States is among the world’s leading countries suffering from obesity and diseases associated with unhealthy eating habits. Statistical evidence shows that about 68.8% of all adults Americans are either obese or overweight. Put in perspective, 3 in every 4 men are obese, while 36% of women are estimated to be obese (Croll, Dianne and Mary 196). One of the leading causes of the increasing numbers of obesity is unhealthy eating habits. This is a persuasive essay explaining why Americans should consider eating healthy diets and leading healthy lifestyles.
Eating healthy calls for taking a balanced diet and exercising regularly to maintain a healthy weight and decrease the prevalence of contracting chronic diseases such as diabetes type 2, heart diseases, cancer, metabolic syndrome, arthritis, depression and blood pressure. Besides, a balanced diet gives tissues and organs proper nutrition to withstand infections, poor performance, and fatigue. More importantly, children exposed from a poor diet may suffer the risk of developmental challenges and deterioration of their academic performance. Ideally, a balanced diet should be rich in vitamins, nutrients, and minerals and low in fats. These nutrients, vitamins, and minerals are found in fruits, vegetables, whole grain meals, proteins and dairy products among others, which are readily available in our retail shops (Willet 534).
Besides, eating healthy and regularly exercises helps reduce the accrual of excess weight, which is necessary for boosting one's immunity, increasing energy levels and boosting cardiovascular health. Further, eating healthy and exercising helps the body stimulates the release of endorphin hormones that are necessary for relaxing and improving one's mood. Ideally, a healthy lifestyle produces a better physique and makes one feel better about their appearance thereby boosting self-esteem and confidence. In the same vein, the short-term effects of eating healthy are that it gives the body increased cognitive function and reduced stress levels (Croll, Dianne and Mary 194).
In conclusion, eating healthy protects an individual against contracting lifestyle diseases and stimulating the body’s immunity. In addition, it assists to improve one’s physique, self-esteem, and confidence. On the contrary, eating unhealthy has significant ramifications. It deteriorates one’s health and contributes to lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, arthritis, metabolism disorder, cancer, and depression. It is for these reasons that Americans should focus on eating healthy for a healthy living.
References
Croll, Jillian K., Dianne Neumark-Sztainer, and Mary Story. "Healthy eating: what does it mean to adolescents?." Journal of nutrition education 33.4 (2011): 193-198.
Willet, Walter C. "Diet and health: what should we eat?." Science(Washington) 264.5158 (2014): 532-537.
