Calories, fibre, carbohydrates, fats, omegas, protein, amino acids... what IS healthy eating anyway? Eating well means eating the things your body needs to thrive, supporting important bodily functions like immunity, circulation, blood sugar balance, energy production (metabolism) and cellular development. There are macro and micro nutrients, things you need a lot of or a little of, so it is important to choose a variety of foods, practice moderation by watching portions, supplement as needed and balance healthy eating with regular exercise.
 
The benefits of healthy eating for adults include maintenance of a healthy weight that feels good. Knowing you look good is also a benefit of a healthy diet. You might be surprised at how much healthy eating can improve your overall feeling of well-being and self confidence. Good food intake also slows the aging process and reduces your risk of developing chronic diseases.
 
In children, balancing the right foods gives them all the nutrients they need for healthy growth, development, learning, and the energy they need to play. Learning good eating habits now will last them throughout their lives and reduce their risk of illness and disease later in life. By setting an example of healthy eating habits, and being physically active daily, you are having a large positive impact on their overall health and helping them develop healthy habits for life.
 
Making it Work
 
Eating healthy takes some planning. Many people feel they don’t have the time or energy to plan meals and cook good food. If this is the case, there are still things you can do to increase convenience without sacrificing nutrition. For example, cook in bulk and freeze foods for handy lunches and quick meals; invest in a slow cooker so you can set it and forget it and have a healthy meal waiting when you get home from work or pack a bag of healthy snacks at night to throw into your briefcase or backpack the next morning.
 
Simple changes, one at a time, can bring about large differences in your health and well-being. Eating healthier does not mean sticking to a harshly restrictive diet. It does mean making changes you can stick to over the long run. If the healthy changes you make are not sustainable, you’ll slide back into your bad habits.
 
If you are eating a healthy mix of nutrition-rich foods, you will be healthier, but it’s not enough. Regular physical exercise is just as important as eating good foods. Exercise can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, Type II diabetes, obesity, anxiety, depression, and certain types of cancers. Physical activity is also a key factor in achieving your ideal weight and helping you maintain it. If you are not active now, start moving with a gradually increasing program of exercise. Don’t do too much too soon or you may risk injuries. If you don’t know where to start, join a club or find a personal trainer. Starting slowly and finding an activity you enjoy, coupled with the benefits of healthy eating not only will increase your health but over all well-being too.