Following good nutrition is the cardinal rule for accomplishing health and fitness goals
There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought an unprecedented shift in our day-to-day lifestyle. For many of us, one of the major impacts has been on our diets and nutrition. According to a Food & Health Survey by the Internal Food Information Council (IFIC), around 85% of Americans experienced changes in their eating and food preparation habits due to the pandemic.
While adjusting to home confinement, cooking at home has become a new norm. Unfortunately, along with healthy eating in our work-from-home environments, snacking and alcohol consumption have also increased at a substantial rate. Weight gain has become a worldwide concern and got us thinking about what, when and how much to eat.
The fundamental aspect of a healthy lifestyle is good nutrition, and we cannot overstate the significance of knowing its basics right. Let’s look at some of the key takeaways about good nutrition to achieve a healthy lifestyle.
Immunity is boosted by a pattern of good nutrition, not periodic supplements
Supplements can surely help us fight off fatigue, boost energy and revive our bodies. We often consume nutrient supplements to boost our immunity, such as calcium, multivitamins, vitamins B, C, and D, to name a few. However, no matter how many supplements we take, our immune systems’ physiology is such that it requires an ideal balance of nutrition and not periodic supplements. Any specific nutritional intervention cannot modify the complex structure of our immunity system.
To survive in the current scenario, immunity-boosting has become a trending topic among individuals globally. Eating a variety of nutrient-rich foods like copper, zinc, iron, selenium, protein, and vitamins A, B6, B12, C, and D can definitely strengthen the functioning of our immune cells. A diet containing probiotic and prebiotic foods is favorable to maintain a healthy gut. But our foods sometimes lack high nutritional value, and to fill the gaps, we consume vitamin and mineral supplements.
Good nutrition has no other alternative, it is an absolute MUST
The benefits of good nutrition go beyond maintaining a healthy weight. It prevents chronic diseases, delays the onset of aging, supports mental well-being, and boosts our immune system. These reasons are more than enough to start having a healthy diet with good nutritional value immediately.
Your balanced diet must include foods from all five groups, including whole grains, fruits and vegetables, protein, dairy, fat, and sugar. However, remember to regulate portion sizes, prioritize fresh food items, read nutrition labels, cut down empty calories, and avoid emotional and mindless eating.
After pursuing a healthy routine, you can maintain your blood pressure and cholesterol levels and experience regular bowel movements, healthy skin and hair, improved sleep cycle, and higher energy levels.
If you get the basics right – the rest can be up to you
Developing a healthy diet is a long-term shift that requires you to have a basic understanding of nutrition, alter the foods you eat and change your eating behavior. Get a fair idea about recommended calorie intake according to your gender, age, natural size, height, muscle mass, and activity level. With time, you can conveniently gauge the overall calorie count according to your metabolism and body requirements.
Build a positive attitude towards eating healthy. Focus on gaining good nutrients and not on what you’re eliminating. You don’t have to deprive yourself of the foods you love and omit every single morsel, just relish them in moderation.
The combination of a balanced diet with adequate sleep, hydration, and exercise can help you achieve a perfect mind and body balance.Â
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