Obesity plagues American society. With more and more Americans becoming obese, proper nutrition is a major challenge. Obesity and healthy nutrition is not just an adult problem -- children face it as well. When considering nutrition, one of the first items to consider is the kinds of foods that one is eating. Fast food, high-cholesterol, and high-sugar foods are some of the biggest enemies to balanced nutrition. Most of take-out food is loaded with sugar, as are many of the foods found on the shelves at the local grocery store. When shopping, it is extremely important to read the labels on the food and drinks that you purchase, looking out for where sugar is placed in the listing of ingredients. The closer to the beginning of the list, the higher the amount of that substance in the product. Also, portions are another things to consider. Restaurants and frozen microwave pre-made meals often have larger portions than we should normally otherwise eat. At home, use smaller plates; while dining out, eat half an entree, saving the rest for a future meal, or order off the child menu if available.

Healthy foods for good nutrition are available. Kashi puts out a line of healthy cereals that come in a variety of flavors and types. One variety of cereal is cinnamon flavored wheat squares that are low in sugar and made from organic products, making it a wise nutrition choice. Also, there are alternative choices in other products, such as purchasing organic milk that is not from cows fed meal with hormones in them. This makes for a reduction in the amount of chemicals ingested. In regards to sweeteners, for solid nutrition choices, artificial sweeteners should be avoided. Stevia is an all-natural sweetener made from the Stevia plant. It comes in a liquid and powder form. Using a little is the key with this product, which avoids the slight aftertaste if too much is used. Nutrition is also about balance. Eating a variety of foods that are healthy, high in fiber, minerals, and vitamins is needed to keep the body in a natural state of being. A wide mixture of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains should be eaten, and lesser amounts of meat and dairy. Sweets, fats, and other unhealthy items should be avoided or eaten in small amounts. Moderation is a key element in making good, solid choices that make nutrition easy to control. Foods like candy, soda, pie and related goodies are wonderful to ingest, but only rarely. Soda, drunk in great quantities fills the body with too much sugar, and can easily lead to obesity. Water, unsweetened tea, and juices drunk in moderation are better choices. By being aware, knowledgeable, and using good self control, it is possible to maintain solid nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. This is the key to health.