While we already know that food is directly associated with physical health, it is also closely related to emotional well-being. Eating healthy allows for the production of “good” bacteria which affects the production of neurotransmitters. However, there is no one specific way to eat right. We all have different genetics, metabolisms, preferences, and priorities. The most important part is to understand what our body needs.
How to ensure a healthier diet:
1. Include healthy foods in your diet:
It’s important to eat a balanced diet and include all or most of the nutrients in your meals. Try to include whole foods like fruits and vegetables in most meals, along with foods that contain antioxidants like leafy green vegetables, salmon and chia seeds.
2. Prepare beforehand:
Eating healthier requires a certain amount of prepping and planning. Become more aware while shopping for groceries and also when you’re planning your recipes and ingredients.
3. Stay aware:
People who don’t eat mindfully see eating as an activity on “auto-pilot”. However, research has proved that engaging the senses and savouring the experience of consuming food can be very beneficial for psychological wellbeing and body satisfaction with increased pleasure when eating.
4. Stay hydrated:
Drinking enough water is almost as important as a healthy diet. Water flushes the toxins from our organs, carries nutrients, cushions our joints and helps to better digest food. There are several considerations to maintaining a healthy hydration level such as body weight, your exercise habits, climatic conditions etc, but in general, adults should drink an estimate of six to eight glasses of water per day (2 litres).
Check out this video about Mindful Eating
Check out this video on how to create a healthy plate
Resources: These apps will help you get started on how to eat more mindfully