10 Reasons to Adopt Healthier Eating Habits in 2021
Are you considering eating healthier in 2021?
As the new year rolls around, many people start thinking about the things they want to change in their lives once midnight strikes on January 1st. Sometimes, these resolutions peter out as the month or year progresses. For other people, though, the beginning of the new year marks a time when they truly begin to change.
For many, adopting healthier eating habits becomes a primary goal. If you've made this resolution, we applaud you. Developing healthy eating habits is crucial to your overall well-being, and we believe you will have a better 2021 if you stick to this goal.
But do want to know developing better eating habits improves your life?
Take a look at our 10 reasons to eat healthier below!
1. Increase Your Nutrient Intake
In the United States, many people eat high caloric foods that don't contain many nutrients.
Often, these foods also contain an excess of sugars or other unhealthy ingredients. If you're used to just opening your refrigerator and reaching for whatever food is inside, you might need to start thinking more carefully about your nutrient intake.
When you begin eating healthier, you should start by learning more about the nutrition behind what you're eating.
But how do nutrients improve your overall health?
In order to function properly, your body needs a balanced diet. Certain foods contain necessary vitamins and minerals that will help you feel better on a day-to-day business. As you focus on increasing your nutrient intake, you'll improve how you feel on an everyday business.
2. Weight Loss or Gain
Have you ever seen the number of people working out on New Year's Day, trying to achieve their goal of weight loss?
Losing weight is one of the most common New Year's resolutions Americans make. If you are overweight, weight loss can improve your overall health and help you develop a more balanced lifestyle.
Weight loss consists of healthy eating habits and consistent exercise. When you establish better eating habits, then, you are well on your way to losing weight.
Yet, some people find themselves in need of gaining weight, not losing it. This could be for a variety of reasons, but everybody type has an ideal weight range that they need to fall within in order to be healthy.
If you're focused on gaining weight, eating healthy can also help you. Focus consuming energy-dense foods such as nuts, dried fruits, and seeds.
3. Improved Heart Health
Your heart is one of your most essential organs, and you can improve its health by regulating what you eat.
To improve your heart health, eat foods that contain fish, omega-3s, and nuts. You can also eat vegetables, fruits, grains, and monounsaturated fats.
4. Modeling Healthier Eating Habits
Do you have children or work with kids?
If so, you have even more reasons to adopt healthier eating habits. Children watch the behavior of the adults around them closely. They often grow up to imitate the actions of the adults around them.
If you want your children to eat healthy, consider changing your diet in 2021 to model making better eating choices.
5. Improved Digestion
Did you know that eating a healthier diet can actually improve your digestive system?
Many Americans eat far less fiber than the scientifically recommended amount. You should have around 25 to 30 grams of fiber in your food every day.
Fiber helps your digestive system, making you feel better on an everyday basis. It also makes you feel more full, making it less likely that you'll overeat.
If you want to eat more fiber, consume legumes, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
6. Save Money
Do you ever walk through the grocery store wondering how you can save money?
If so, then you'll want to start eating healthy. Some people associate healthy stores with more expensive price tags, but eating healthy doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, buying fruits and vegetables can be incredibly cheap.
In addition, if you eat unhealthy food, you might end up spending more money in the long run. Bad eating habits translate into medical conditions such as heart disease. This could mean pricey treatments.
7. Better Mental Health
Did you know that your gastrointestinal tract is lined with bacteria that promotes the production of neurotransmitters?
When you eat healthily, your tract develops good bacteria. In turn, this bacteria sends positive neurotransmitters to your brain (such as serotonin or dopamine) and makes you happier.
That means that what you eat can affect your mental health.
8. Boosts Your Energy
Healthy, nutrient-rich foods give you a boost of energy.
When you work all day, you probably often come home feeling rundown and exhausted. Many people also experience a slump in the afternoon, when they may find it difficult to stay energized.
This can be from eating unhealthy foods during the day. If you consume nutrient-rich foods, though, you will likely feel more energized.
9. Lower Your Risk of Cancer
Are you at a higher risk of contracting cancer?
If so, you will want to eat as healthy as possible. When you eat a lot of processed and red meats or drinking too much alcohol, you heighten your risk of cancer. As a result, eating a more balanced diet keeps your cancer risk lower.
10. Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes
Consuming lots of sugar causes your insulin levels to spike.
If you intake a lot of sugar consistently, you could develop diabetes. You should especially pay attention to how much sugar you eat if you are at high-risk for diabetes.
Replacing sugar in your diet with healthier ingredients and desserts can help you prevent diabetes.
Do You Want More Nutrition Advice?
Are you looking to develop healthier eating habits in 2021?
If so, we believe you are on a path to a better and healthier future. Eating healthy carries countless benefits, which include increasing your nutrient intake, reducing your risk of health complications, bettering your mental health, and all of the other aspects mentioned above.
Do you want to get started on the right path when it comes to eating healthy? Take a look at our healthy meal delivery plans!