Did you ever think about the fact that we can be overfed and yet undernourished? It comes down to what we are eating, not how much we are eating. Most processed foods have been stripped of nutritional value with added flavorings and chemicals for a longer shelf lives. These foods may be quicker and cheaper to eat, but when the majority of the food you are eating contain very little nutritional value you’re body is left feeling unsatisfied and out of whack.
Most of you reading this probably already know how important good nutrition is and you work hard to maintain a healthy diet, especially when trying to get pregnant. Obviously good nutrition and a healthy diet may not be a magic bullet; it can be very frustrating when you eat a perfectly balanced diet and yet people around you who eat processed and unhealthy foods get pregnant right away. However, striving to have good nutrition in your life is a worthwhile dedication and even if your fertility seems to be unaffected by your diet, there are at least 4 great reasons nutrition still matters for you.
Reason 1: Good Nutrition Provides Energy
The foods that we eat give energy to our body and therefore affect how we feel throughout the entire day. Foods that are excessively sugary or high in fats can really hurt our energy levels, and you guessed it–the top offenders are processed foods that lack nutritional quality. Fats are slow to digest and don’t provide our body with a steady source of energy. Sugary foods can create fluctuations in blood sugar levels, causing us to feel tired very shortly after eating. That’s why you feel like crashing around 2 pm after you snack on a cookie. By eating a healthy diet full of nutrients we maintain our energy levels at a constant throughout the day and the result is feeling better, alert, and more energized.
Reason 2: Good Nutrition Provides the Raw Materials Our Bodies Need
A healthy, nutritious diet gives our bodies all of the raw materials it needs to function properly and remain strong and balanced. Protein and amino acids are used to build and repair the different parts of the body. The right amount and types of fat are also important to stay health and regulate hormones. Vitamins and minerals help boost your immune system and help everything do their job properly. All of the nutrition you get from a balanced, healthy diet affect components of your immune system, nervous system, hormones and organs and ultimately keep your body balanced and working at its full potential.
Reason 3: Good Nutrition Aids All of Your Body’s Functions Now and in the Future
It truly is amazing to think of how nutrition impacts every aspect of how our bodies work. For example, quercetin which is found in red apples functions like an antihistamine and as an anti-inflammatory. Resveratrol, which is found in grapes, is a powerful antioxidant. You may not think about it in the short term, but good nutrition can help to protect the body from sun damage, pollution, smoke and other elements that can wear us down over time.
Reason 4: Good Nutrition Means Good Health
What we eat impacts how we feel, how we look, and ultimately our health. Without good nutrition you may feel full after you eat, but in reality your body is being starved of the elements it needs to function at its best. When you are sick or diagnosed with a disease, nutrition is one of the most important ways you can help your body recover and gain back its health.
We feel our best when all systems and organs are operating normally and are balanced. Proper nutrition is essential for achieving this state of optimal health and wellness along with adequate exercise, rest, and stress management.
To get your nutrition journey off on the right start, here is a healthy, fully nutritious breakfast recipe from Real Simple:
Cereal “Sundae”
A bowl of fiber-rich bran flakes (about 1½ cups) with 8 ounces of low-fat milk is nearly the perfect breakfast. Make it portable by replacing the milk with lemon or vanilla yogurt and mixing it in a to-go container. Increase the fiber and vitamins by adding ¼ cup of nuts or fresh or dried fruit, such as chopped pecans or blueberries.
Kristopher says
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