You Are What You Eat: The Truth About How Your Diet Affects Your Health

How many times have you heard the phrase You are what you eat? While some people misinterpret this to mean that if they eat junk food, it will turn into junk, it’s actually true that eating a healthy diet of whole foods can have major benefits to your health, including being able to lose weight without being hungry, having more energy throughout the day, and reducing stress levels. Eating well is one of the most important things you can do for your health, so read on to learn about how your diet affects your health, and how you can start eating better today!

Whole Grains

We’ve all heard how important it is to consume whole grains, but few of us actually do. Unfortunately, there is a lack of public awareness around what makes a grain whole. Even fewer people understand that whole grains are nutritionally superior to refined grains in several ways, as outlined below.

Fresh Fruit and Vegetables

While some people misinterpret you are what you eat to mean that if they eat junk food, it will turn into junk, it’s actually true that eating a healthy diet of whole foods can have major benefits to your health. Here are seven fruit and vegetable-based reasons you should switch to a healthy diet today.

Lean Protein

Just because an animal protein is lean doesn’t mean it will make you skinny. Excess consumption of red meat and high-fat dairy has been linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, Type 2 diabetes, and cancer. And too much protein in general can stress your kidneys, interfering with their ability to function properly.

Healthy Fats

Including healthy fats like those found in nuts, seeds, avocados, and fish oils is a simple way to make sure you’re getting enough of the right types of food. Make sure to avoid processed vegetable oils (like soybean oil or corn oil) that are often found in pre-packaged snacks and packaged goods, as they have been linked to serious health problems like heart disease.

Dairy Products

Did you know that if you consume too much dairy, it can cause bloating and gas? I used to eat cheese all day every day. Until I learned about how dairy makes your body produce excess mucus. I stopped eating cheese cold turkey. One year later, my chronic sinus infections went away.

Snacks

One of my favorite healthy eating hacks is snacking. On a typical day, I have three meals and two snacks. Instead of limiting myself to one handful of nuts or a small bag of edamame at each snack, I will often make an entire salad at one sitting (this goes for dinner as well). By packing in loads of nutrients without overeating calories, I can always count on feeling full and satisfied after my meals.

Caffeine and Sugar

There are countless reasons people turn to caffeine for an energy boost. And if you’re constantly getting jittery and having trouble focusing, it’s tempting to rely on that cup of coffee or can of soda to get you through your day. But know that although a daily dose of caffeine is fine in moderation, regular consumption of these stimulants can have negative effects on our health—and they might be hindering your ability to reach your goals.

Nuts and Seeds

There are some nuts and seeds that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These help your body to get rid of excess cholesterol, thus helping you avoid heart disease. Other advantages of eating nuts and seeds include a lowered risk of cancer and gallstones. Walnuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds can do wonders for your health if you eat them regularly as part of a healthy diet.

Supplements

Sure, eating healthy can help keep you young and in shape, but what about adding a supplement to your diet? Skipping out on getting enough vitamin D or omega-3 fatty acids can have long-term effects on your health, so adding a vitamin or mineral supplement to your diet could be one of the best things you can do for yourself.

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