Have you ever heard of the saying, “you are what you eat”? Well- it’s true!
Every single thing you put in your body can affect the way you think and feel.
Poor nutrition has been linked to many diseases such as Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, Illness, and so much more. Here are some tips on how to have a healthier mind and body through what you eat:
Proteins, Carbohydrates and Fats.
It is essential to have a well-balanced diet and that starts with the above 3 food groups. Let’s start with Protein- meat, fish, poultry, eggs and quinoa. These foods help boost immunity, repair and replace bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments, help burn calories and stabilize blood sugar. Next we have (complex) Carbohydrates- legumes, whole grains and vegetables. Carbs are slowly turned to blood sugar in the body and used as energy. With complex carbs you don’t get a spike in sugar like you would from simple carbs like cake, candy and refined sugar. Lastly, we have Fats- olive oil, avocados and nuts. These fats are important for brain development, healthy skin and the balancing of hormones.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
Let’s explore a little more into the most important type of fat there is- the Omega-3 fat. Did you know your brain is the fattest organ in your body consisting of 60% fat? Getting the sufficient amount of Omega-3 is vital for your brain to function properly. Some examples of Omega-3 include Wild Salmon, Flaxseeds/oil, Chia Seeds and Spinach. Omega-3’s are not just good for the brain however. They also keep your heart healthy by reducing triglycerides (fat storage), lubricate joints so that they function at an effective level, fight wrinkles, protect your vision, improve your mood and can increase fertility in men and women. O-my!
Antioxidant Rich Foods.
These bad boys protect us from Free Radicals which are caused by pesticides, pollutants, tobacco smoke, alcohol and fried foods. Some examples of antioxidant-rich foods comprise of kale, sweet potato, berries, cinnamon, turmeric, onions and garlic. All of which contain imperative vitamins and minerals and are also an anti-inflammatory!
Remember to avoid foods high in sugar because they can decrease your immune system and store fat. Since our bodies are constantly repairing cells that have been damaged through exercise, stress and pollutants; it is very important that you feed it proper vitamins and nutrients. You can change the way you look and feel just by the foods you consume. How exciting is that? So start loading up on the good stuff and start feeling your best!