Article from Ashlyn Edwards | 

“Healthy eating” has gained quite a lot of stigma over the years as the method to shed a lot of pounds. And even though it does help you lose weight, there are actually tons of reasons people choose to eat healthy. 

Many people view healthy eating as a punishment instead of a reward--which is what we should be viewing it as. Eating right can change your mood, health, and mindset in the long run. 

Heart health 

Heart diseases are often found relating to unhealthy eating habits and patterns. The boom of fast food and easy-to-make meals have allowed people to grab and go instead of properly prepare foods. This has led to a burst in health conditions related to poor diet. 

Many diets pertaining to the heart recommend consuming a lot of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. 

Weight loss 

The main contributor for a change in diet: weight loss and weight watching. Watching and managing your weight can help you avoid obesity, which can lead to various conditions such as heart diseases, poor bone density, and diabetes. Many diets ask that you minimize or cut out processed foods and eat substances like beans, veggies, and fruits with low calorie levels. 

Pro tip: plant-based foods tend to help those on a weight loss plan feel full longer, helping them limit their food consumption.

Gut health 

Vitamins B and K benefit the colon and aid in fighting viruses and harmful bacteria in the body. A healthy diet normally provides a good combination of probiotics and prebiotics to help with digestion. Yogurt is an amazing product that is full of probiotics.   

Manage Diabetes

Eating healthy can help regulate your blood sugar levels and heep cholesterol in check. Diabetic people are normally warned to limit their foods with salt and sugar as well as avoiding foods that are fried. 

Reduce Cancer Risk 

Antioxidants that come in veggies and fruits can help one limit his/her chance of developing cancer. Although no one can stop cancer, it could be a better way to help prevent any issues that could arise. 

Phytochemicals, which are contained in veggies, fruits, and legumes have vitamins C,A, and E, lycopene, and beta-carotene that have been proven to reduce the damage due to cancer. 

Improved memory 

Find yourself forgetting things more often than normal? It could be due to your diet! Research has shown that consuming omega-3 fatty acids, fish, vitamin C, D, and E can improve brain performance. 

Stronger Teeth and Bones 

A healthy diet can make a dramatic difference in minimizing your vulnerability to bone issues like osteoporosis. Foods rich in calcium (such as cabbage, legumes, and broccoli) are a great way to help bones stay healthy. You can also get tons of magnesium from vegetables, seeds, nuts, and whole grains. 

Conclusion 

Finding a good diet and great source of healthy ingredients can be tough at times. It is much easier to walk through the grocery store and grab a pizza than it is to make food at home. However, convenience is not always key. In fact, it’s normally the opposite. 

The next time you go to the fast food line, remember how eating healthy can help you thrive in the long run.