On another page on this website, I talked about starting an exercise routine, and how that can have a positive impact on your life. Another simple yet powerful way to take control of your life and make positive change is improving your nutrition. Making your health a priority shows, and it can give you the confidence you need to nail that job interview or get that pardon that you have been meaning to apply for. On this page, you can learn more about some basic nutrition tips and how to make even bigger changes in your life.
Why Should You Improve Your Nutrition?
There are so many benefits of focusing on nutrient dense foods and making sure that you are getting enough of these. While there is nothing wrong in indulging in some processed foods or going out to eat now and then, it is important to do this in moderation and focus most of your diet on whole, nutrient rich foods. Some benefits that you can find from doing this include:
- Weight management.
- Reduce your risk of certain diseases such as heart disease, certain types of cancers, stroke, etc.
- Improve your immune system.
- Help you recover quicker from injury or illness.
- Boost your energy levels and ability to focus.
- Lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
How to Improve Your Nutrition
If you are committed to incorporating more nutritious food into your diet, there are many ways to do this. Here are a few tips to get you started.
First, commit to a certain amount of healthy meals per week. You don’t have to cut out junk food or processed food altogether, but evaluate how often you are eating less nutritious food now and try to replace some of those meals with healthier foods. This will still give you some flexibility and freedom, and it means that you don’t need to cut any foods that you enjoy out completely. It is more a matter of moderation than anything.
Next, determine where you are falling short in your diet. Maybe you want to get some bloodwork done to determine if you have any nutrient deficiencies. Or, you can use a food app such as cronometer, which gives you the micronutrient breakdown of your diet and helps you understand if you are meeting your minimum daily requirements. One of these options can help you determine where you can improve your diet. Maybe you are not getting enough calcium, in which case you can start eating more calcium rich foods. Or maybe you are not getting enough fiber in your diet, which can be fixed by eating more whole foods. Understanding the data and what specifically you need to work on can help you be healthier overall.
Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins into your diet is also a good idea. If you have a food allergy or want to make sure you are making the best dietary decisions for you, talk to a doctor or a nutritionist. But, incorporating these kinds of foods into your diet is not a bad place to start. Even if you want to indulge in some less healthy options, having small portions of that and more servings of fruits and vegetables can help to balance out your diet.
View this process as an adventure! Many of us have preconceived notions about what we like and don’t like when it comes to food. But there are so many new foods to try, and old foods to revisit. I have found that a lot of the foods I thought I didn’t like when I was a kid, I have come to enjoy in adulthood. Retrying foods could change your mind about them. If you don’t want to do that, explore all of the amazing produce and recipes that are out there. Maybe cook a new meal or a new vegetable once a week and keep things exciting!
Your Fresh Start
These are just a few tips to get you started on a healthy journey. Again, it is a good idea to get educated and consult a doctor before making major changes to your diet. For more information on making positive changes in your life, check out the other pages on this website or contact my office.