Nutrition is essential to life. The food we eat has both short-term and long-term effects on our bodies. Eating too much, or too little, of anything can affect us physically and mentally.
Eating well every day isn’t always easy. However, a balanced diet consisting of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, fish, poultry, legumes, nuts, seeds, and other healthy fats can reduce the risk of certain diseases and improve overall health.
Healthy foods provide important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids. But that’s not all why we should follow a balanced diet. Here are five benefits of healthy eating.
1. Reduced Stress
Veggies and fruits are loaded with antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress in the body, thereby reducing inflammation. Eating too many unhealthy foods high in sugar and trans fats lowers your nutrient intake and increases inflammation in the body, leading to physical and mental stress.
2. Increased Productivity
Healthy food helps to keep your energy levels high and your brain alert, making it easier for you to work, concentrate, and keep active. Adding superfoods like fruit, veggies, nuts, and eggs to your diet every day will keep your body functioning properly.
3. Improved Skin Health
Unhealthy and oily junk food leads to more breakouts and acne. When we eat too much sugar, whether natural or from unhealthy carbs, our bodies produce excess oil, which clogs pores and leads to inflammation, triggering acne. This is also a sign of an out-of-balance gut. Limiting sugary snacks, fried foods, and processed meat is the best way to prevent breakouts.
4. Better Sleep Quality
A healthy eating lifestyle helps improve sleep quality. Late-night snacking, dinner at odd times, and junk food can disrupt one’s normal biological cycle. This increases the chances of metabolic problems and poor digestion and concentration. Eat healthy at least three hours before you go to bed to increase your chances of having a good sleep.
5. A Better Environment
Eating organic fresh food is a smart way to contribute toward sustainability. The less processed your ingredients are, the less impact they have on your health and the environment.
[RECIPE] PINEAPPLE FROZEN YOGURT
Serves: 2
Ingredients (use organic where possible):
- 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 cup vanilla dairy-free yogurt
Directions:
- Add pineapple and yogurt to a high-speed blender or food processor.
- Blend until very smooth (add ice if needed).
- Scoop into two food storage containers.
- Freeze for 3 to 5 hours or until soft-serve consistency.
To Your Health,
Patti
