The 5 worst nutrition mistakes we make

If you are always on the go, chances are you take better care of the people around you than you do of yourself. You m ay spend hours shopping and preparing nutritionally balanced meals for your loved ones but only eat half as well yourself. The result is poor performance during the day and less than perfect health. You can improve these common mistakes and be on the road to look better, feel healthier and improve work performance.
Mistake # 1. Caffeine dependence.
Many people depend on coffee to give them a surge of energy throughout the day. 3 cups of coffee a day is about 180mg of caffeine per day (1 rounded teaspoon = 60mg, 1 heaped teaspoon = 80mg) and although it is not harmful to a healthy adult if taken in moderate amounts, large amounts (over 350mg) may adversely affect your health. The body can become dependent on caffeine and this can lead to nervous system disorders, mood swings, depression, headaches, reduction of the body’s ability to use vital nutrients and affects can sleep rhythms. Energy drinks (e.g. Red Bull, V Energy, and Red Eye) contain up to 110mg of caffeine in a 250ml can. What about tea and chocolate I hear you say? A medium strength tea contains 40mg of caffeine and a 50g piece of milk chocolate is 10mg. Many doctors recommend caffeine free periods to flush out stimulants from your body. Replace some of your caffeine with herbal tea.
Mistake #2. Late night munchies.
Many of us are guilty of being up late watching TV while munching on a packet of chips, biscuits or a block of chocolate. The only problem is when it becomes a regular habit that it can cause a spreading waist line as well as an upset stomach and sleep problems. If you really want to munch on something to unwind then opt for some fruit, nuts or a small bowl of cereal. An even better option would be to take a small stroll after dinner, or do some stretches to release the day’s tension.
Mistake # 3. Skipping meals.
Skipping breakfast or missing lunch because you are too busy is no way to treat your body. You wouldn’t think about going on an all-day trip in your car unless it was fuelled right? Skipping just one meal a day can slow down your metabolism. The slower your metabolism is, the more sluggish your body’s ability is to burn energy. Make it a rule to have a nutritious start to the day with a small tub of yoghurt, a piece of wholemeal toast, a handful of dried fruit or even last night’s chicken.
Mistake #4. Eating on the run
Eating on the run leads to bad nutritional habits and indigestion problems. A good rule to use for this one is to never eat while in motion. This means don’t eat while driving, walking, riding or working and eat in designated dining areas only. Make it a conscious decision to never eat if your concentration is not centred on the food. If you have to eat on the run then bypass the confectionary isle and head to the fruit section instead.
Mistake # 5. Constant nibbling
Lots of us are not big meals eaters but instead like to constantly graze throughout the day, but many people don’t eat much and still put on weight. This may be because of the kilojoules found in the many snacks eaten throughout the day. A packet of jelly beans or a few biscuits stashed away in the desk drawer when you are feeling “peckish” breaks one of the cardinal rules of good healthy eating; you’re not eating because of hungers sake you are eating because food is there. Take charge of your eating habits by removing food from your immediate work area and writing down everything you eat and drink throughout the day to tell the real story in black and white.