The old saying, “you are what you eat” is truer now than ever before. Supersized portions, additives, preservatives, artificial sweeteners and flavors, and processed food make up many a person’s diet these days. And while it may taste good and satisfy hunger, this way of eating will be detrimental to a person’s physical and mental health in the long run.
If people want food to work in their favor, they have to realize that the best foods to eat are those that are all-natural and not manmade or artificial. Foods that have undergone any type of process to get them darker, sweeter, softer or chewier have nothing to offer in the way of nutrition. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, eggs, yogurt, legumes, nuts and fish are the best ingredients for a healthy diet.
Think about this the next time a doughnut seems like a good way to grab a quick breakfast—aside from the obvious weight gain from eating foods that are not healthy, lethargy, fatigue, a lack of concentration and mood swings are just some of the more immediate reactions the body will have to poor eating habits. Looking down the road, a person can expect years of unhealthy eating to affect blood sugar levels, blood pressure, cholesterol levels and create vitamin and nutrient deficiencies that have the potential to produce more serious health issues.
The human body is not designed to survive on diets that lack the proper nutrients it needs. With so many healthy options out there, it would be wise for people to examine their diet and make changes accordingly. Swap that doughnut for some scrambled eggs and oatmeal. Instead of hitting the vending machine for that candy bar, get the package of peanuts or almonds. Simple switches and an understanding of what constitutes a healthy diet is all that is needed to reap both the mental and physical benefits that the right foods can provide.
