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What if I told you there is one thing you could do that would make you feel better, improve your sleep, increase your energy, strengthen your immune system, make your skin glow, and lower your risk of chronic disease? Would you do it?

I’m expecting a resounding YES here. And that’s good. Because the answer is easy: EAT WELL. The adage is true - you are what you eat, and it turns out that the benefits of good nutrition extend beyond weight.

5 ways on how you can eat your way to good health:

• Eat real food - By this I mean food that grows in the ground or was raised on a farm, not created in a factory. Whole, fresh fruits, and vegetables, all-natural meat and fish, whole grains, nuts and seeds – these are the foundations of a balanced, nourishing diet.
• Ditch the wrappers - Processed foods tend to have a lot of additives that work against your health. Preservatives and excessive amounts of sugar, and salt are common in many snacks, frozen meals, and convenience foods.
• Fill up on fiber - Found in fruits and veggies, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds, fiber is a true nutritional powerhouse. Looking to lose weight? Eat more fiber. Want to lower your cholesterol or manage your blood sugar? Fiber is the answer. Struggling to stay regular on the bathroom front? Yep, fiber can help. Aim to include at least one food from one of the categories above in your daily meals and snacks.
• Healthy fats - Fat is not the enemy. It’s actually an essential nutrient and a helpful one at that. Some of the fat’s claims to fame include reduced inflammation, glowing skin, and mealtime satisfaction. Find healthy fat in fish like salmon, chia seeds, nuts, olive oil, and avocados.
• Cut back on sugar - It’s unlikely I’m the first to tell you this. Added sugar is hiding in so many places it shouldn’t be and it’s causing things like headaches, weight gain, increased inflammation, energy crashes, and bad skin. The best way to avoid it is by eating whole, real foods, and reading nutrition labels.   

What does this look like on the day to day? Try to prepare as many meals and snacks as you can, using whole ingredients instead of relying on takeout or packaged grocery items. This might look like planning out your grocery shopping and weekly meal plan or dedicating one day a week to bulk meal prep. If you’re not comfortable in the kitchen or your schedule just doesn’t have room for anything else right now, consider a meal service. Grateful Plate uses all natural, fresh ingredients that are low in natural sugar and has nutrition in mind when creating all of their recipes and menus for meal delivery and corporate catering.

About Jenny

Jenny a Philadelphia-based Registered Dietitian who helps women, children, and their families understand how to eat to feel better. She believes that good health starts in the kitchen and that fostering a nourishing relationship with food leads to a happier, healthier, and more balanced life. Learn more about Jenny at https://www.nutritionwithjenny.com/.