Practicing healthy eating habits can be so simple yet very difficult because it demands lots of commitment and smart decision-making. As a matter of fact, this could be the key to eradicating many of your health problems. A diet rich in vitamins, proteins, low-fat, and minerals can help you maintain good health as well as shed a few pounds that you may be carrying extra.
That being said, below are some of the health benefits you’ll feel instantly if you pick the right diet.
1. Sounder Sleep
Did you know you can improve your sleep by just eating the right diet? Well, a low-fiber diet and a diet rich in saturated fats can greatly reduce the amount of sleep. Meanwhile, too much sugar could be the main reason why you constantly get those annoying midnight wake-ups. It doesn’t stop there because eating the wrong diet can also result in gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) and we all know how heartburn negatively affects our sleep.
In conclusion, strive to eat foods rich in B vitamins such as fish, meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy as this vitamin regulates melatonin – a sleep-cycle regulating hormone. Also, make sure your diet is full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
2. Enhanced Mood
It’s not a secret anymore that what you eat has a huge impact on your overall mood. Foods rich in minerals and vitamins such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains can tremendously reduce the risk of suffering depression. Also, fatty fish like salmon, herring, and tuna are rich in omega-3 fats which can also help reduce depression. It goes without saying that eating some of these foods such as oily fish and dairy can regulate the cortisol (stress hormone) level in the body as well as promote the general brain health.
3. Improved Heart Health
Eating foods that come directly from the ground can greatly reduce the risk of getting cardiovascular disease. Diets rich in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits can go a long way towards maintaining good levels of cholesterol and blood pressure. In fact, eating too much saturated fats and salt can be the main cause of your high blood pressure.
Therefore, eat red, orange, and yellow veggies such as carrots, red peppers, sweet potatoes and acorn which are rich in vitamins, carotenoids, and fiber. In addition, eat fish rich in omega-3s such as tuna, salmon, herring, and trout. Omega-3 is very good for your heart’s health.
4. Strong Bones and Teeth
It’s never too late to do something about your bones! Apart from keeping your bones strong, a calcium-rich diet is also essential in slowing down bone loss (osteoporosis), especially in older people. You can get calcium by eating dairy products and some other foods such as:
- Dark green vegetables like broccoli and kale
- Tinned salmon, pilchards, or sardines
- Calcium-fortified foods like fruit juices, cereals, and soy products.
Don’t forget to get plenty of Vitamin D from the sun, fortified cereals, egg yolks, and oily fish. This is because vitamin D is very important during the absorption process of calcium in the body. Last but not the least living an active by regularly exercising will also help keep your bones strong.
5. Regulate Weight
Recent research has shown that most Americans are either overweight or obese, with 1 in every 5 dying of obesity. The Obesity Action Coalition suggests that reducing the overall body weight can greatly lower the risk of high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes, as well as improve cholesterol levels.
In short, difficult health choices have to be made like replacing soda with water, ordering a side salad instead of fries, and replacing chips with veggies. This can also go a long way to saving you a few bucks. Other weight loss-friendly foods include eggs, cottage cheese, avocados, nuts, and fatty fish such as sardines and salmon. You can check out this guide to learn more about healthy eating, the importance of losing weight, as well as some tips on how to shed those extra pounds.
All said and done, sticking to a healthy eating pattern by making the right food choices and regularly exercising is certainly not a walk in the park. You have to avoid as much as possible foods that are rich in sodium, saturated fat, and added sugar. However, making these necessary changes in your life will not only improve your overall health, but fatten your wallet as well.