SCI241 Personalized Nutrition and Exercise Plan Essay

The United States is encountering a trend toward more obese individuals and the health risks associated with higher personal weight levels. Various health issues are linked to increased weight and include (a) heart disease, (b) diabetes, and (c) cancer. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States and doctors fear the trend toward obesity in Americans, including a lack of a sensible diet and exercises regimen, will continue the trend of heart disease being the primary killer of Americans. Given the concerns of doctors and public health officials, a person should closely examine his or her dietary intake, develop a diet and exercise plan, and implement the plan to ensure he or she is taking care of his or her health and preventing disease.
My family history indicates a greater chance of developing high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and diabetes. I have gained a lot of weight since I had my first child and this is a concern since diabetes runs heavily in both sides of my family. This means that I have a slightly elevated risk for high blood pressure compared to the rest of the general population. My body mass index is not where I want it to be at the moment.   Therefore, as mentioned above, I am always watching what I put in my mouth and I am very vigilant about my daily exercise routine.
I have determined, from the recommendations illustrated by the USDA and examining my diet plan against USDA standards for a healthy diet that my diet is inherently healthy. I have come to the conclusion, after examining my sodium intake levels, that my diet is not as healthy as originally assumed. On Day 1, my sodium intake was 1,572 mg and increased on Day 2 to 2,765 mg. I determined my sodium intake is too high after comparing my daily averages against USDA standards for sodium intake, which is 500 mg. A person should restrict the amount of sodium he or she consumes in a day if susceptible to sodium-induced hypertension; however, sodium is not the only...