Why You Should Be Following a Healthy Diet

The foods that you eat have a long-lasting effect on your body, and thus your health and quality of life. Many food trends and "diets” cause confusion, however the underlying fact is that basic nutrition principles should be followed in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle. We break this down for you to assist you in making better eating decisions. 

Essential for good health and nutrition

Eating healthy protects you against many chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and even cancer. By consuming less salt, sugars, saturated and trans-fats you will greatly improve your general health and your body will thank you for it.

Below are the Top 5 Benefits of Healthy Eating:

1. Weight Loss

2. Heart Health

3. Strong bones and teeth

4. Better mood and energy levels

5. Improved memory and brain health

So what exactly is a healthy diet?

A healthy diet usually comprises a combination of different foods, mainly being:

• Starches / cereals,

• Legumes,

• Fruits and vegetables,

• Meats, eggs and dairy products.

 A healthy diet can actually improve all aspects of life, from brain function to physical performance. In fact, all foods consumed have an effect right down to the cells and organs in your body. If you participate in exercise or sports, there is no doubt that a healthy diet will help you perform better.

Calories and Energy Balance Explained 

While calorie counting isn’t always necessary, total calorie intake still plays a key role in weight control and health. If you ingest more calories on a daily basis than you burn, your body stores this as new muscle or usually, as body fat. If you consume fewer calories than you burn, you will lose weight. Likewise, if you want to put on weight, you need to eat more calories than you burn. Calories are therefore very important, regardless of what you are trying to achieve, weight wise.

Never processed, always real foods

Real food is food that is as close to its natural state as possible. Primarily unprocessed, free from chemical additives and rich in nutrients, whole foods are the best to add to your diet for the greatest benefits. However, since processed foods became popular in the 20th century, the Western diet has shifted more toward ready-to-eat meals. While these can be convenient, they can also potentially affect your health. By adding more whole foods into our diet, you will notice the difference almost immediately, as it will give you more energy and your body will start feeling better. Your skin will start looking better too!