By Capalitana M. Little
At this time of the year, families come together to celebrate the holidays while eating lots of different foods. Although some foods are delicious, they may not be healthy. Since the food we consume has a big effect on our health, it is important to eat healthy for a better quality of life. If the human body was a machine, then food is the fuel. For this reason, we must choose food wisely. The proper consumption and the amounts of nutrients, proteins and carbohydrates can lead to improvements in physical and mental health.
Healthy eating provides the body with fat burning energy that can have a mental impact as well. According to Arlene Semeco of Healthline.com, “Even though all foods give you energy, some foods contain nutrients that could help increase your energy levels and maintain your alertness and focus throughout the day.â€
Some healthy options to consider are fruits, vegetables, brown rice, sweet potatoes, and avocados. These foods supply the body with beneficial fats, vitamins, and minerals that it needs to function correctly. They are also calorie burning foods that help maintain a healthy weight when eaten in moderation.
In addition, healthy eating is not only about dieting or losing weight. It is about feeling good and looking good since what we eat reflects through our skin. Drinking a few glasses of water daily will internally give your body a robust shower. Water hydrates the inside of the body giving the external skin moisture. It also flushes toxins out of the body to help improve the skin and clear the digestive system.
Although drinking pure water is best form of hydration, foods and other drinks can help too. For instance, cucumbers, tomatoes, melons, herbal tea, coffee, and fruit juices few that quench and provide the body with fluids.
Moreover, eating too much fried and processed foods can cause weight gain, diabetes, heart disease and/or stroke. Processed foods usually contain a lot of sodium which causes hypertension or high blood pressure. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans,†diets higher in sodium are associated with an increased risk of developing high blood pressure, which is a major cause of stroke and heart disease.
My cousin who loves eating big holiday meals said, “I will not overeat this year and I do not want to eat any salty foods because my pressure been acting up.†In conclusion, the human body depends on food and water to survive. If a person eats healthy foods properly in moderation, the human body can prevent the onset of certain life-threatening diseases and other ailments. Eating nutritious foods provide the body with vitamins if multivitamins are not taken daily. So be mindful of the foods you chose to eat during this holiday season and daily. The choices can be beneficial to your wellbeing psychically and mentally.
