Healthy eating basics Healthy eating is not about sticking to strict diets or depriving yourself of the foods you love.
Rather, it’s about eating a balanced range of foods that help you feel great, have more energy, improve your outlook, and help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Why does eating healthy matter? First, food is what fuels you and delivers the calories and nutrients your body needs to function.
If your diet is deficient in calories or one or more nutrients, your health may suffer.
Likewise, if you eat too many calories, you may experience weight gain.
People with obesity have a significantly increased risk of illnesses like type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and heart, liver, and kidney disease
Additionally, the quality of your diet affects your disease risk, longevity, and mental health. Focus on Nutrient density. When you conceptualize healthy eating, your first thought might be about calories. Even though calories are important, your primary concern should be nutrients.
That’s because nutrients, including protein, carbs, fat, vitamins, and minerals, are what your body needs to thrive. “Nutrient density” refers to the amount of nutrients in a food in relation to the calories it provides.
All foods contain calories, but not all foods are nutrient-dense.
Taking the first step.
You don't have to spend hours meal prepping or cooking elaborate meals, but it does require some thought and effort, especially if you have a particularly busy lifestyle.
For example, going to the grocery store once or twice per week will help ensure that you have healthy choices in your fridge and pantry. In turn, a well-stocked kitchen makes choosing healthy meals and snacks much easier.
Developing a healthy relationship with food may take time
If you don’t have a good relationship with food, you’re not alone.
Many people have disordered eating tendencies or eating disorders. If you’re concerned that you have one of these conditions, it’s critical to get the right help.
To develop a healthy relationship with food, you have to have the right tools.
Working with a healthcare team, such as a registered dietitian and psychologist who specializes in eating disorders, is the best way to start mending your relationship with food.
Food restrictions, fad dieting, and self-prescribed notions like “getting back on track” won’t help and may be harmful. Working on your relationship with food may take time, but it’s necessary for your physical and mental health.
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