Recommit to Healthy Eating

The month of May is National Recommitment Month.

Now, is the perfect time to recommit to healthy eating! Pay close attention to what you choose to fuel your body with. After all, diet contributes to about 80% of overall health and well-being. If you’ve been hitting the gym but still aren’t seeing results, nutrition might be the answer.

In honor of National Recommitment Month, we encourage you to recommit to eating a healthy, whole-foods based diet, which can help you improve your health, lose weight, and feel better.

5 Reasons to Recommit to Healthy Eating

1. Improve Brain Function

Eating a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids can improve brain function and decrease the risk of memory loss. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fatty fish (such as salmon, trout, and herring), walnuts, pumpkin seeds, avocados, flaxseed oil, and linseed oil.

2. Stronger immune system

If you find yourself frequently taking sick days, your diet may be to blame. Foods rich in zinc, vitamin C, and iron can help support your immune system and combat illness. Try regularly incorporating mushrooms, bell peppers, green leafy vegetables, and kiwi into your diet to fight off that winter cold.

3. Increased Energy

Reducing the added sugars and refined carbohydrates in your diet will help combat that feeling of afternoon fatigue. Sugars and refined carbohydrates are quickly absorbed into the digestive system and eventually lead to a drop in energy levels. Instead, base your meals around lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods will help keep your energy levels stable throughout the day.

4. Weight Loss

Avoiding processed foods and sticking to nutrient-dense lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables can help significantly with weight loss. Limiting packaged foods and refined carbohydrates (such as pasta and white flour products) can help your metabolism target fat stores and shed those unwanted pounds.

5. Disease Prevention

Unhealthy eating habits can play a significant role in the development of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats (such as those found in nuts, olive oil, and avocados) can decrease your risk of developing these diseases later in life.

Eat Well to Be Well!

There you go - five real benefits of eating a healthy, whole-foods based diet! It’s time to recommit to a healthy diet. It’s time to take control of your well-being. Start by making simple changes that will positively impact your health for the rest of your life.

(This article was adapted from an article originally written by Erika Hickmott, Degreed Nutritionist & Culinary Professional)