Nutrition in a Nutshell

People are much more health conscious nowadays and not just about the kinds of foods they put into their bodies.  People are more aware of what their foods are made of, too. 

Is this really food?  Can I even pronounce what’s in it?  How will this nourish my body?

Those are just a few of the nutrition questions we ask ourselves.  You may ask yourself, “Am I eating this because I want it or because my body needs it?” Why not both?

When we choose to eat for sustenance and nourishment and develop an eating plan that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and a variety of nutrient-dense and protein-rich foods, we’ll start to feel stronger and be better equipped to build up our immunity and get more out of our day.  Having a commitment to eating healthy, nutrient dense foods should be a consistent routine we implement every day during the year.

So, here are a few nutrition suggestions to help guide you on your own journey to develop your healthy eating plan.

And it’s easier than you might think.

Variety Is the Spice of Life

There are many nutrient dense foods available to us, as well as countless recipes to try, so you’ll be able to switch things up with ease.  Quite possibly, you might not even eat the same meal twice, unless, of course, you want to.  You could let each day of the week help you determine which style of cuisine you prepare.  For instance, everyone’s heard of “Taco Tuesday,” but how about “Shellfish Saturday,” or “Spinach Sunday?”

Lobster, clams, crabs, and mussels are excellent sources of essential vitamins and minerals such as zinc, which works to combat various autoimmune diseases and helps immune cells function properly.  Spinach provides beta carotene and antioxidants to boost the immune system and help prevent infections, too.

Fruits and vegetables are as rich in essential nutrients for the body as they are flavorful.  For instance, take citrus fruits.  Oranges, limes, lemons, tangerines, and grapefruit are all loaded with Vitamin C, which helps the body fight off respiratory diseases, and so does broccoli, which is also full of Vitamins A and E as well as fiber and other antioxidants.  Red bell peppers are great sources of C and E for healthy skin and help improve eyesight. 

Go Nuts!  The high levels of Vitamin E and magnesium found in almonds and other nuts moderate blood pressure levels.  They also aid other vitamin absorption.

Spice Things Up.  Add turmeric, ginger, or garlic to your recipes.  These spices help the body fight off infection and inflammation and combat chronic pain.  Also, consider drinking ginger tea to boost your immune system as well.

Take a Breather

Once you’ve developed your healthy eating plan and established a routine for implementing it, it’s time for you to take a well-earned break.  So, sit back and relax.

These days, everything comes barreling at us at breakneck speed 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.  But regardless of whether it’s on TV or TikTok or any other number of outlets that we peruse, it pays to take a break from everything whenever possible. 

Did you know the brain is the largest consumer of energy in the body?  It needs a break each day to recharge and rebuild after a day of consuming information. 

Rest is the one thing our bodies and their organs need to recharge and regain their strength after a full day’s worth of strenuous activities.

Taking a break is a good thing.  Rest is essential to health.  It plays a vital role in growing and sustaining a strong immune system.  When we don’t get enough rest, our energy levels are depleted faster and might even become completely drained.  Having a lack of energy might even make us sick.

So, build your healthy eating plan and commit to preparing meals packed with nutrient dense foods on a regular basis, and pencil in some time to take breaks and get plenty of rest.

Your body will thank you.