Importance of nutritional education

Nutritional Education is the Gift that Keeps Giving

On my lifelong journey of success, health, and longevity I am almost always confronted of the question of why I take on such a rigid diet. I, personally, don't believe my diet is that rigid at all. I snack from time, eat large portions, indulge in a little bit of junk food but opposed to the consensus diet in my area, I am rigid. I can accept that I take a different approach than most of my peers, and although I am careful to never force my beliefs on other people, I still try to encourage sensible eating options if I can.

Why is This Important to Me?

I was not always a healthy eater, being from a family with Italian traditions, a lot of the culture I grew up in involved large feasts at family functions that involved a lot of meat and pasta. I indulged in this way of life for the first twenty five years of my life, even having a 'health' concentration in college, I still did not have the basic understanding of what is healthy eating, how diseases form, and what foods give you the most energy. I had an epiphany of sorts around 2007 when the bulk of my time was focusing on my career as a professional poker player. I knew that intellect alone would not set me apart from other competitors, I needed to find any edge I could get and exploit it as much as possible. That was when my crusade into healthy eating began. My journey did not end there, the more I learned the more I was interested, from alkaline foods, to natural supplements, to herbs, spices, and oils I immersed myself in how food can transform peoples lives.

Food Education is a Necessity in America

Researching the hierarchy of the food industry in America made me come to a few conclusions. My first conclusion was that the major food corporations held a monopoly over what most people ate. My second conclusion was that these major corporations are likely more interested in making money than educating the public on what foods are healthy. This is why I believe people should be more educated about the health benefits of the food they're eating. In the case of America, not only are major food corporations maintaining a monopoly over smaller organizations, but Western approach to medical care, using a “treat the symptom” approach to health care is lining the pockets of major pharmaceutical companies that are making millions off of repeat customers. A disgusting trend that needs to be ended.

Conclusion

The movement of big corporations making money off of people's ignorance, and western societies need for instant gratification is only a part of the issue. As a person that believes completely in taking a holistic approach to life, I believe that success and happiness to be centered around what nutrients you are feeding your body. I don't think anyone can dispute the irony of visioning somebody wanting to be the best at whatever they do, yet spend a big portion of their day in front of the television eating donuts. Needless to say, anyone who strives for greatness, or wants to achieve balance and happiness should be educated in what foods will and will not help them achieve their goals.