When it comes to establishing simple steps to obtaining better health and nutrition habits, it’s easy to get lost in the sea of contradictory nutritional advice. But healthy eating doesn’t have to be stressful nor come with a strict set of rules.
Increasing your energy levels and nourishing your body starts with covering these simple but highly effective nutrition habits.
Set goals and develop a plan for healthy nutrition habits and reducing stress
In the world of nutrition, improved health and vitality can come from many different paths.
However, assessing your lifestyle and personal preferences is the key in deciding which path to follow. Many methods are effective, but the key lies in finding the method that doesn’t require you to make major life-altering changes. Prioritize eating whole foods with a great nutritional value over eating less processed foods that aren’t as nutrient-rich. The bottom line is, if you have to read a label to figure out what’s in a food item it’s probably something you should not be putting in your body.
Focus on fruits and vegetables
One of the easiest ways to optimize your health, nutrition habits and energy levels is to properly supply your body with plant-based micronutrients.
Micronutrients play a pivotal role in your energy levels. If you’re starting at zero, an initial goal of a minimum of five servings a day is optimal. After you master that, graduate up to a minimum of ten servings (the more the better).
Simply eat slower
By simply eating slower, you can lose weight, lessen the chances of overeating and consciously understand your nutrition habits such as what you’re eating and why.
Eating slower helps bring about awareness that you’re nearing the point of being full. You’re also participating in a form of mindfulness. You’re not rushing through your meal thinking about what’s next on the to-do list. As you chew slowly, enzymes are released that help your food break down better, thereby improving digestion.
Follow a routine and eat around the same time each day
When you eat meals at different times rather than on a regular schedule, your body goes into stress mode and throws off your nutrition habits.
For example, when you eat breakfast at 7 a.m. one morning and 11 a.m. the next, your body becomes confused about where its next meal is coming from. This causes the secretion of the stress hormone cortisol. High levels of cortisol lead to spikes in insulin. This causes inflammation and can increase the risk of many cancers. Create a regular meal schedule and do your best to stick with it. Since life often intervenes when it comes to routines, make a nutrition habit of carrying a healthy snack with you to ward off hunger pangs and insulin spikes.
It’s OK to treat yourself
Eating perfect every single day is stressful.
Healthy eating doesn’t have to take over your life and food isn’t just for fuel and functionality. The most important key is to integrate a plan that leaves you feeling great while also allowing you to participate in the events and moments of life that are important to you.
At Long Beach Spine and Rehabilitation Chiropractic Health Center, we believe nutrition habits are synergistic with chiropractic care and spinal health. We offer nutritional education on the benefits of whole foods and whole food nutritional supplements. Spine health and nutrition go hand in hand toward disease prevention and can make a significant difference in the way you feel. Call 562-938-8770 to set up your free consultation and learn how we can help you get back to your healthy and active lifestyle!
