What is the difference between food and nutrition?

Misunderstanding food and nutrition as the same can be harmful to your health and fitness journey. There are some important differences between the two.

First of all, let’s define the basics.

What are food and nutrition?

Food is what we eat and drink daily.

Here are some examples of foods we see around and that we have frequently:

Fast foods: Burgers, Fries, Pizza, Burritos, chocolates, sandwiches, etc.
Junk foods: Ice cream, soft drinks, shakes, etc.
Healthy foods: Water, Cereals, Salads, whole-grain dishes and natural juices

On the other hand, nutrition is a biological process to obtain essential nutrients from food.

Nutrients are vital chemicals present in your food. They are present in different qualities in different foods.

here is the list of essential nutrients required to live a healthy and disease-free life;

Macronutrients, also known as “Macros”

We call them macros because we require them in large quantities. and, naturally, they are present in large quantities in our food too.

Carbohydrates – essential for energy. And, most of the time, the debate is about good and bad carbohydrates.
Proteins – the building blocks of your body.
Fats – energy storage for difficult conditions; and making and repairing cement for body tissues.

Micro-nutrients, also known as “Micros”

we call them micros because we don’t require them in huge quantities.

Vitamins – present in small quantities in foods and essential for body processes.
Minerals play a major role in balancing the body’s balance, detoxifying the body, and performing vital functions (brain, heart, and kidney).

Differences you must know between nutrition and food

Food is what we eat and drink. whereas, nutrition is what we get from our food.
A single food can be with or without the nutrients we need. on the other hand, nutrition is the process of getting the required nutrients from the total food we eat.
Foods are selected based on how they test, look, and feel. While nutrition is not a choice,.
Food selection is based on your age, culture, education, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, friends, and social media influence. On the other hand, nutrition is not affected by any such factors.
Food preferences can be different from person to person, but nutrition is the same for all.
Nutritional requirements are different in various situations for the same person. but food preferences are hard to change in various situations.
Nutrition is a continuous and unconscious process. but food is a conscious choice.
Your food choice can be a matter of one meal, one day, or several days. but nutrition continues.

Healthy food + Healthy diet plan = Healthy nutrition

Though food and nutrition are different, they are interdependent. One affects the other frequently.

To understand the equation, you must understand the relationships between food and nutrition.

Without food, there is no nutrition, and without nutrition, there is no life.
A healthy diet plan (a carefully selected set of foods) is essential to achieving the nutritional demands of the body in different situations.
Healthy nutrition depends on the healthy food choices you make daily.
Avoiding or preferring certain foods can result in nutrient deficiencies or toxicity.
Wrong food choices may lead to having too much or too little body weight. Both conditions may welcome other grave diseases like heart disorders or immune disorders.
Correct food makes your nutrition spot on and gives you the power to achieve every goal, whether it be some physical sport you want to be a pro at or enhancing your mental capacity.

Conclusion

In modern times, where we are tempted by colorful visuals of food advertisements, it is important to understand the difference and relationship between food and nutrition.

Only the right foods will give you healthy nutrition in health and disease.

Your selection of foods will shape your future nutritional status and Health

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