A healthy diet generally consists of eating plenty of nutrient-dense foods from the major food groups. Depending on your dietary restrictions (if you have any), this can include lean proteins or plant proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables. Healthy eating habits can also include replacing a lot of the unhealthy foods we regularly eat that contain trans fats, extra salt, and sugar and replace them with more nutritious foods.
Following a healthy diet comes with a myriad of benefits, including stronger bones, protecting your heart health, preventing multiple diseases, etc.
It’s honestly quite easy today to overlook the significance of maintaining a healthy diet. Having said that, what we eat has a big impact on our physical and mental wellbeing.
Today, I’m hoping to show you just some of the benefits of incorporating a healthy diet, as well as the positive impacts it can have on your life.
DISCLAIMER: It’s important to note that I’m not a doctor and this is not professional medical advice. You should always consult with a general practitioner or a registered dietitian if you want 100% accurate and customized health advice.
Fueling your body with nutrients
As somebody who is an avid athlete, I encourage my friends and family to get out of their food comfort zones and look at their bodies as a high-performance machine instead of just their physical selves. I also encourage them to look at the foods they eat as fuel rather than something to simply enjoy thoughtlessly. Just as an engine needs the proper fuel to work properly, your body also needs essential nutrients to function at its best. A healthy diet has to provide you with a range of vitamins, minerals, proteins, healthy fats, as well as carbs to support your body’s essential functions. These nutrients play an important role in contributing to a better immune system, promoting healthy growth, and helping to repair tissues – especially if you’re the type to work out regularly.
Weight management and overall health
One of the more obvious benefits that often comes to mind when it comes to eating healthy is maintaining a healthy weight. While I don’t encourage anyone to hyper-fixate on weight, it’s important to remember that excess body fat can lead to a lot of complications down the line. A balanced diet, mixed together with regular exercise can help you to maintain a good, healthy weight that fits with your current height and age. You can avoid a lot of health issues down the line like heart disease, diabetes, and joint issues by just maintaining a healthy weight. Adopting healthy eating habits reduces the risk of these chronic illnesses and can also improve your overall well-being, physical and mental.
Boosting energy levels
Have you ever allowed yourself to have a big meal (think of a loaded plate of Thanksgiving dinner) and found yourself practically comatose afterward? Or maybe you’ve partaken in a big fast food meal while you’re on the road, and now you’re having to pull over because you feel like you’re going to fall asleep. Well, the reason for that is that processed foods that are high in sugars and unhealthy fats give you an initial burst of energy, followed by a steep crash that can leave you feeling lethargic. On the other hand, eating healthier options ensures you have a more sustained release of energy throughout the day.
Mental clarity and cognitive function
What you eat doesn’t only impact your physical health, but it can have a pretty significant impact on your emotional and mental wellbeing as well. Research has shown a strong link between diet and overall cognitive function. However, a diet that features a lot of foods rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and other essential vitamins has been linked with better memory, improved focus, and better concentration overall. On the flip side, diets that are very high in processed foods and saturated fats have been consequently linked to cognitive decline and an increased risk of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
Remember, this is just general advice coming from someone who loves health and fitness. Everyone’s journey is an individual experience and you need to cater your diet to your specific needs.
Building a Resilient Immune System
Your immune system is your body’s overall defense against different illnesses and infections. In order to make sure your body is strong and resilient, it needs the proper nourishment to function at its maximum. Nutrient-rich foods, such as colorful fruits and vegetables have been proven to support your immune function by providing vitamins and minerals that support your immune response. A healthy diet also aids in reducing inflammation, making your body better prepared to fend off nasty infections and recover more quickly should you fall ill.
If this all seems like a lot to you, I encourage you to take small steps to incorporate healthier choices into your daily diet. Gradually start by reducing sugary foods while slowly increasing your intake of fresh fruits and other whole foods. Remember that eating healthy is a journey, and every little positive change you make contributes to your overall well-being. Let’s embrace the importance of eating healthy together and pave the way to a better you.
Remember, this is just general advice coming from someone who loves health and fitness. Everyone’s journey is an individual experience and you need to cater your diet to your specific needs.