Consuming a healthy diet does not need to be complicated. While some certain nutrients or foods have been proven to have a beneficial effect on your mood, it is your dietary pattern that’s most important. The cornerstone of any healthy diet pattern must be to substitute processed food with actual food whenever possible. Consuming food that’s as close as possible to the way that nature made it may make a big difference to the way you feel, look, and think.

Building a healthy diet

While a few extreme diets might suggest otherwise, all of us need a balance of minerals, vitamins, fiber, carbohydrates, fat, and protein in our diets to maintain a healthy body. You do not have to eliminate specific foods from your diet, yet rather choose the healthiest choices from every category.

Protein

Protein provides the energy needed to get going—while also supporting cognitive function and mood. Too much protein may be dangerous to those who have kidney disease, yet the most recent studies suggest that most of us require more quality protein, especially as we get older. This does not mean you must consume more animal products—various plant-based protein sources on a daily basis may ensure your body receives all of the essential protein it requires.

Fat

While bad fats may wreck your diet and boost your risk of specific diseases, good fats will protect the heart and brain. As a matter of fact, healthy fats—like omega-3s—are critical to your emotional and physical health. Knowing how to include healthier fat in the diet may assist in improving your mood, trim your waistline, and boost your well-being.

Fiber

Consuming foods that are high in dietary fiber may aid you in staying regular and lowering your risk for diabetes, stroke, and heart disease. It also can improve the skin and help you lose weight. Depending upon your gender and age, nutrition professionals suggest that you consume at least 21 grams to 38 grams of fiber every day for optimal health.

Calcium

The body utilizes calcium to build healthy teeth and bones, keep them strong as you grow older, send messages throughout your nervous system, and regulate your heart’s rhythm. As well as causing osteoporosis, not receiving a sufficient amount of calcium in the diet also can contribute to sleep difficulties, depression, and anxiety. Whatever your gender or age, it is important to include foods that are robust in calcium in your diet, restrict the ones which deplete calcium, and receive enough vitamins D and K and magnesium to assist calcium in doing its job.

Carbohydrates

Carbs are one of the body’s primary energy sources. However, most ought to come from unrefined, complex carbohydrates instead of refined carbs and sugars which have been stripped of all nutrients, fiber, and bran. Trimming back on pastries, white bread, sugar, and starches may prevent rapid increases in blood sugar, fluctuations in energy and mood, and a build-up of fat, particularly around the waistline.

For more information on making healthy choices contact the best clinic for functional medicine, Imagine Wellness today!