Six Benefits of a Well-Balanced Diet That Aren’t Weight Loss
Are you ready to learn something new in the New Year? Weight management and improving one’s diet are among the top New Year’s Resolutions of 2024. Dietary changes based on your specific nutritional needs can definitely help you achieve these two goals, but there’s so many more important benefits behind a well-balanced diet, such as:
Increased energy levels: Poor diets can leave you feeling sluggish and tired. Making balanced meals, especially for breakfast, is a great way to stabilize your blood sugar and avoid having a large blood sugar spike after eating. This can help with an energy boost in the morning, and is a fantastic way to reduce the need for that afternoon nap. Balanced plates include having a protein, carb, and a fat. Focusing on a well-balanced diet also ensures your body is getting the essential nutrients needed for optimal energy production. Foods rich in these essential nutrients, like B vitamins can help you maintain more consistent energy levels throughout the day, combat fatigue and even help you crush your goals in the gym. Make sure you’re eating a rainbow of fruits and veggies to maximize your energy potential.
Foods to increase your energy levels: meats (especially liver), eggs, dairy, dark leafy greens
Improved immune function: Feeling under the weather? The key ingredients you find in over-the-counter powders and supplements we take when we are ill are all things that can be found in our food supply. Eating a well-balanced diet can keep your immune system working the way it’s meant to and can help to ward off colds, flus, and other pathogens.
Foods to improve immune function: sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, mangoes, broccoli, tomatoes, citrus fruits, melons, bell peppers
Improved bone health: Improving and maintaining bone health is critical for those with paralysis. The process of bone breakdown and rebuilding is fueled by vitamins and minerals. Keep your diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to maintain bone strength and reduce the risk of osteopenia, osteoporosis, and fractures.
Foods to improve bone health: milk, cheese, dairy, leafy greens, nuts
Optimized gut health: If your tummy is feeling grumbly, it might be time for some fiber. Eating more fiber promotes a healthy digestive system and a better bowel program.
Foods to optimize gut health: fruits, veggies, legumes, wholegrains, nuts
Improved cognitive function: Feeling foggy? Improve your mental clarity and focus by eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants.
Foods to improve cognitive function: nuts, seeds, salmon, beans, blueberries, dark leafy greens, lean red meat, avocados, tomatoes
Improved mood and well-being: We’ve all been hangry at some point, but did you know what you eat affects how you feel mentally and emotionally? Protein and fruits support the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine (happy/satisfaction/movement/memory) and serotonin (mood/behavior/self-esteem).
Foods to improve mood and well-being: fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean meats, fish, nuts, legumes, low-fat dairy, olive oil
These perks of a well-balanced diet are just the tip of the iceberg. If you’ve got dietary goals, but need the know-how, check out CORE Nourish, our nutritional guidance program. Our Nutrition Coaches are ready to meet with you and put you on the path to becoming your best self in 2024. Schedule your nutritional consultation today!
