We’ve all been there – struggling with our weight whether it’s to get ready for spring or right after overindulging on feasts. Whatever the reason may be, we tend to get on our scale too quickly and become fixated on the digits flashing in front of us.
However, it’s not all about the number you see. What matters too is what your diet consists of and what types of foods and nutrients you’re consuming.
Your weight is not the only element to the health equation. It’s important to manage it by truly understanding all components, in order to have your well-being and body benefit in the long run.
You are what you eat
We’ve all heard the expression “you are what you eat”. This couldn’t be truer. By supplying your body with the right foods and truly understanding how each consumed nutrient affects it and your health, you can manage your weight on a long-term basis. A well-balanced diet should contain a healthy combination of nutritious foods. A lack of certain nutrients leads to deficiencies, which in turn can take a toll on your hair, skin, nails, organs, and overall health. Therefore, it’s important for you to evaluate if you are including the right foods and avoiding any refined ones.
A natural approach to your health
In a world that has become more health conscious, many people have embraced a more natural approach to their diet, and this can be very beneficial to one’s well-being.
Natural foods are usually unprocessed, meaning they are minimally altered, contain no added chemicals and artificial preservatives. You should watch out for foods that contain lots of sugars, refined grains and hydrogenated oils. Therefore, incorporating natural foods into your diet is advantageous to your health because too many additives can be detrimental to your body in the long run. Natural foods can also help you manage your weight due to their minimal caloric content, yet high fiber content. Therefore, it makes it easier for you to shed those extra pounds and keep them off if you’re consuming less calories.
Hence, it is important to remember that weight management begins with incorporating the right foods into your daily routine and embracing a natural way of life for long term benefits. What ensures health is not only how much is consumed but rather what elements make up your diet.
By Jennifer Soueida, B.Sc.
