The plethora of information about nutrition that is being promoted by various sources to the American consumer may have made it seem that eating a healthy diet is restrictive and complicated. Actually, developing healthy dietary habits is as simple as following the steps originally described in the United States Surgeon General's 1988 report on nutrition and health. Limit sodium intake to no more than 2400 milligrams per day. If you drink alcoholic beverages, keep it to no more than one or two drinks a day. The USDA redefined in 1991 the Four Basic Food Groups.
Nutrients are chemicals that fulfill specific functions in the body.
They provide energy, furnish structural components to construct body tissue, and supply regulators to control metabolic functions. Nutrition for fitness and sport . Wm. C. Brown. Optimal Nutrition for Exercise and Sport Energy needs for sport and physical activity Energy needs differ substantially among individuals. Factors, such as, age, gender, body surface area, and environment influence daily caloric output.