Why Healthy Eating is Important – 5 Basic Tips on How to Start
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One of the best ways that you can start getting healthier is by eating a healthy diet, and these tips will give you simple ways to eat better.
Nutrition is very important to fuel your body and ensure you are getting the nutrients you need. Ideally, you want to form a healthy habit with your nutrition.
You probably already know that things like chicken, broccoli, and spinach are good for you but today I wanted to look into exactly why healthy eating is so important.
As a busy working mom, it can be hard to make nutrition a priority but it really should be something we add importance to every day. Our body needs fuel to help us get through the day feeling good and clear-minded.
Why Healthy Eating is Important
You may have heard that you are what you eat. And while that may sound like a cliché, there’s actually a lot of truth to it. The food you eat can have a big impact on your overall health and well-being.
That’s why it’s important to make sure you are eating healthy foods. Eating healthy foods can help you:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce your risk of developing certain diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and some types of cancer
- Reduce stress, improve mood and promote a sense of well-being
Healthy Eating Facts You Didn’t Know
Did you know that eating healthy can help you live longer? Studies like the ones in Medical News Today have shown that people who eat a healthy diet are less likely to die from heart disease, stroke, and some forms of cancer. Eating just one extra serving of fruits and vegetables a day can reduce your risk of heart disease by up to 20%!
Eating healthy can also help reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure, type II diabetes, and osteoporosis. And if you’re already healthy, eating well can help you stay that way!
So, as you can see, there are plenty of good reasons to make healthy eating a priority. But how do you actually do it?
10 Most Healthy Foods to Eat
So now that we know why healthy eating is important, let’s talk about some of the 10 best foods to eat for good health.
Avocado
Avocados are a healthy source of fat. They’re also high in fiber, which can help you feel full and satisfied. Adding avocado to your diet is an easy way to get more healthy fats into your diet.
Berries
Berries are loaded with antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage. They’re also a good source of fiber and vitamins. Eat a variety of berries to get the most benefit.
Whole grains
Whole grains are a good source of fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and promote regularity. Try substituting whole wheat bread for white bread, or brown rice for white rice.
Fish
Fish is a healthy option because it’s low in calories and fat but high in protein. It’s also a great source of omega-three fatty acids, which are important for heart health. Try to eat at least two servings of fish each week.
Poultry and lean meats
Poultry and lean meats are excellent sources of protein. They’re also low in fat and calories, making them a healthy choice for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain their weight. Choose leaner cuts of meat whenever possible, and avoid processed meats such as bacon and sausage.
Beans and legumes
Beans and legumes are good sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are high in fiber and low in fat which can help you feel full. Try adding beans to your salads or using them as a healthy alternative to meat in your favorite recipes.
Nuts and seeds
When eaten in moderation, nuts and seeds are a good source of healthy fats, fiber, and antioxidants. Just be sure to choose nuts and seeds that are unsalted and unroasted.
Eggs
Eggs are an excellent source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. They’re also low in calories and fat. Choose eggs that have been cooked in healthy oils such as olive oil or canola oil.
Healthy oils
Healthy oils such as olive oil and avocado oil are good sources of healthy fats. They can help improve your cholesterol levels and promote heart health. Use healthy oils in place of butter or margarine when cooking.
Water
Water is essential for good health! It helps to keep your body hydrated and flushes out toxins. Aim to drink eight glasses of water each day.
How To Start Eating Healthier
Ok, so how can we start heating healthier but not allow it to take over our daily routines and make it not feel so overwhelming?
Here are a few things that might help.
Meal Planning
One thing that can help you eat healthier is planning your meals ahead of time so you’re not always trying to decide what to make.
As a busy working mom, you may not always be able to take time to prepare a healthy meal each day but if you meal prep you could prepare some salads and protein-rich meals ahead of time to help you stay on track.
Start Slow
You don’t have to completely change your eating habits and all of a sudden only eat low-fat foods and get rid of all the pasta, cereal, cheese, and bread in one day.
Start slowly by adding one healthy meal to your day. If you are normally used to skipping breakfast make it a priority to start your day off with a protein-dense breakfast before you leave the house.
If you’re making a meal and you see that you can substitute your pasta for spaghetti squash or the potatoes for sweet potatoes do that.
It will feel easier if you just start paying attention to small things you can change in your nutritional habits.
Eventually, you’ll find you’re making healthier choices more naturally and it doesn’t feel as overwhelmin
g as you might have once thought.
Don’t Overcomplicate Things
Finding the right nutritional diet for you doesn’t have to be hard. Eating healthy doesn’t mean you can’t ever eat bread again or that you have to totally give up any sweets forever.
Everything in moderation is ok. The key is to eat healthy as often as you can while still enjoying what you eat to fuel your body.
Benefits to Healthy Eating You Might Notice Right Away
We’ve already covered the things like living longer, reducing the chances of getting sick, and being able to enjoy your life. Now let’s talk about the benefits of eating healthy that you might not think about on a daily basis.
You Feel Better
Eating right will have you feeling better, in general, each day. When you fuel your body with nutritious food you are giving your body the fuel it needs to work. You will find you have more energy throughout the day too.
Your Mind is Clearer
Personally, I find my mind is much clearer when I am eating right and taking my vitamins and supplements. My head feels like it’s less cloudy and overwhelmed and I can prioritize my day and get things done easier.
Your Skin Looks Better
Eating a healthy diet might also help your skin look brighter and reduce redness or pimples. There are lots of foods that help your skin while fueling your body.
More Healthy Habits to Incorporate into Your Life
If you still feel overwhelmed by eating healthier here are some things you can do that don’t require you to change what you eat but will still support a healthy lifestyle.
Drink Your Water
Drinking enough water is an important element of our health. Getting enough water each day will help you feel better and helps your body in so many ways, such as carrying nutrients to your cells, flushing out bacteria, protecting your organs and so much more.
Take Quality Vitamins
Adding quality vitamins and supplements to your routine is a great way to help you maintain your cellular health. Most of us might be missing a vitamin or two depending on where we live and what we eat so having a good vitamin protocol can help ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need to be at your best.
Summary
I hope this post helped answer some of your questions on eating healthy and you found some useful tips to help you implement some healthy habits into your day.
