Eating well is essential for overall health and wellness. Yet, many of us struggle with this basic, yet complex concept. We are busy and overwhelmed with a myriad of tasks, responsibilities and stressors that take precedence over our nutritional needs. It’s time to prioritize nutrition so you can nourish the foundation of your total wellness.
The Basics of Nutrition
What is nutrition? Nutrition is the process by which your body obtains and uses nutrients from food. A nutrient is any substance in food that gives you energy or helps build tissue or regulate body processes like digestion and metabolism. The three main types of nutrients are carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Vitamins, minerals, fiber and water are often referred to as micronutrients because they have smaller amounts in the body compared to macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, fats). Eating a balanced diet full of all types of these nutrients can help support overall health—physically as well as emotionally!
Nutrition for Physical Health
When it comes to physical health, nutrition plays an important role in preventing chronic diseases like diabetes or heart disease as well as certain cancers. Eating healthy foods can help you maintain a healthy weight, lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, reduce inflammation throughout the body, boost your immune system and more! Additionally, eating plenty of fruits and vegetables provides vitamins and minerals needed for proper bodily functions like converting food into energy or repairing cells in the body. Lastly, drinking enough water helps transport nutrients throughout the body while also helping to flush out toxins that may be detrimental to your overall health.
Nutrition for Mental Health
Good nutrition isn’t just important for physical health; it’s important for mental health too! Eating nutrient-rich foods can help reduce symptoms associated with anxiety or depression such as fatigue, difficulty concentrating or poor sleep habits by providing your brain with essential vitamins and minerals like omega-3 fatty acids found in fish or whole grains which aid brain functioning. Healthy eating may also reduce stress levels because when we eat unhealthy processed foods our bodies have higher levels of cortisol—a hormone released when we experience stress—which can cause negative effects on our moods if left unchecked.
When it comes to nourishing your foundational health—which encompasses both physical and mental wellbeing—nutrition plays an integral role in helping you feel vibrant from the inside out! Start by gradually incorporating more nutritious items into your daily routine such as adding extra veggies onto sandwiches or having an apple instead of chips after school pickup. As you continue to make small changes towards healthier eating habits over time you will be able to reap the benefits that come along with good nutrition such as increased energy levels and improved moods! So don’t wait another minute; start nourishing your foundation today!
I'm Sandy Robinson, IHP. As an Integrative Health Practitioner and Success Coach, my goal is to empower women by helping them transform their life through reducing overwhelm, managing their health, and living well using proven methods like Functional Lab Testing, Nutritional Guidance, Lifestyle Coaching, Mindset Coaching, and Personalized Fitness Plans.
In addition to being an Integrative Health Practitioner, I am a Certified Health Coach, Life Coach, Personal Trainer, and Podcast Host for The Hashimoto's Connection. Schedule a consultation with me today by clicking HERE.