Whether you’re trying to lose weight, get in shape or just live a healthier life, eating healthy provides a variety of benefits. Research shows that the impact of good health on your quality of life is far-reaching, regardless of your age, sex, or physical ability.
You’ll be more productive
Just like your car, your brain needs quality fuel to run efficiently. One study found that eating unhealthy foods puts you at a 66% increased risk of productivity loss. Eating a healthy, balanced diet to make sure your brain has the fuel it needs means more energy and increased productivity at work.
Improves Mood
Doing right by your body pays off for your mind as well. Eating a healthy diet with exercising can lead to a better physique, so you may also feel better about your appearance, which can boost your confidence and self-esteem. It’s not just diet and exercise that lead to improved mood. Whether it’s social gatherings, volunteering, or attending a movie, communal activities help improve mood and mental functioning by keeping the mind active and serotonin levels balanced.
You’ll be less stressed
Certain foods have the ability to moderate our body’s level of cortisol, the stress hormone. Some studies have found that foods packed with vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids and magnesium help reduce cortisol levels. When the body is in a chronic state of stress, it breaks down protein to prepare for battle. Eating a protein-rich diet, including fish and dairy, can help replenish protein stores and keep cortisol levels at bay.
You’ll live longer
Healthy eating can help you avoid diseases that may lower your life expectancy.
Boosts Energy
We’ve all experienced the energy drop that comes from eating foods high in sugar and saturated fats. When you eat a balanced diet including whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, and fruits and vegetables, your body has the fuel that it needs to manage your energy level.
Written by Hugo Phillipps