Eating healthier. It’s a phrase that resonates with many of us, yet, for various reasons, it remains a challenging objective to accomplish. The whirlwind of modern life often leaves us reaching for the quickest and easiest meal options, which are frequently packed with artificial ingredients. On top of that, the ever-present temptation of ultra-processed foods can make it difficult to choose the apple over the apple pie.
Eating healthy can seem daunting, fraught with obstacles and dietary deviations. But it’s essential to remember that eating healthier isn’t about attaining perfection or adhering rigidly to a specific diet; it’s about improving your relationship with food and making healthier choices that serve your well-being.
This means embracing a different perspective on food, one that prizes the nutritional value of real ingredients over the artificial. And while this may feel like a tall order initially, the many benefits that accompany this transition will reaffirm that it’s a journey worth undertaking.
Here are 10 things that happen when you start eating healthier.
This article doesn’t necessarily endorse any one particular diet and is not intended as health advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet.
1. Improved Energy Levels
When you replace artificial ingredients with real ones, your body gets a better balance of nutrients, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, which are essential for energy. Foods like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins contain the nutrients our bodies need to function efficiently throughout the day.
2. Enhanced Mood and Mental Well-being
Research shows a strong correlation between diet and mood. Consuming natural ingredients, rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, may contribute to better mental health. Foods like berries, dark chocolate, and green tea, which are high in antioxidants, can help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, linked to mood disorders.
3. A More Efficient Immune System
Real foods are packed with various nutrients, like vitamins A, C, E, and zinc, which are essential for a robust immune system. By choosing to consume fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, you are fortifying your body’s natural defense mechanism.
4. Better Digestive Health
Foods that contain artificial additives often lack fiber, which is crucial for healthy digestion. Swapping these out for fiber-rich foods, like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can lead to better digestive health.
5. Healthy Skin
Nutrition plays a significant role in skin health. Foods high in antioxidants and vitamins like A, C, and E, often found in real ingredients, can promote radiant skin.
6. Weight Regulation
Eating natural foods instead of those filled with artificial ingredients can lead to healthier weight regulation. Foods with real ingredients are typically lower in calories, sugar, and unhealthy fats, helping you maintain a healthy weight.
7. Decreased Risk of Chronic Diseases
Numerous studies have linked a healthy diet to a reduced risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Real foods, rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, contribute to this protective effect.
8. Improved Sleep Quality
Eating healthier can also positively affect your sleep quality. Foods rich in tryptophan, magnesium, calcium, and B vitamins, like turkey, almonds, and dark leafy greens, can help promote better sleep.
9. Enhanced Cognitive Function
Certain nutrients, like omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants, are crucial for brain health. Eating real foods like fatty fish, nuts, seeds, and berries can contribute to better cognitive function.
10. Establishing a Better Relationship with Food
Switching to a diet rich in real ingredients can enhance your awareness of what you’re putting into your body, fostering a healthier relationship with food. This awareness can lead to making more informed decisions that align with your health goals.
Eating healthier isn’t about completely eliminating your favorite foods or imposing harsh dietary restrictions. It’s about making conscious, incremental changes to replace artificial ingredients with real ones, ultimately benefiting your overall health and well-being. It’s a commitment that begins with a single step: making one healthier choice at a time. And we are here to help! Click here to visit our recipes page for delicious recipes made with real ingredients.
In the spirit of the habit-building techniques explored by James Clear in his book Atomic Habits (I highly recommend you read it if you haven’t), it’s important to remember that small changes can result in significant benefits over time. Start by making one healthier substitution each day. You’ll soon realize that healthier eating is not just a diet, but a rewarding lifestyle transformation. You can do it. It’s worth it.
Remember, every individual is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Therefore, it’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before embarking on any significant dietary changes.
