The definition of healthy eating can vary depending on who you ask, who you are, your body type, and your fitness goals. It can get confusing when trying to change your eating habits if you don’t know what a healthy body needs and haven’t determined your long-term expectations. Carolina Regional Orthopedics is here to tell you it doesn’t have to be so complicated.
Benefits of Healthy Eating
Eating foods you love and getting the nutrients you need is possible. Healthy eating can help manage chronic pain, lower disease risk, and improve mental health. To properly fuel your body, you must assess the nutrients it needs, maintain healthy eating patterns, and stay conscious of how your body reacts to those foods. Focus on eating the right balance of calories to meet your overall goals. Be cautious because not all low-calorie foods are healthy, so consider the nutritional value of those egg whites or ice cream, not just your calorie intake.
Diversity is Key
Eating a diverse selection of foods can help you avoid getting bored with the same foods over and over, and even if you’re a picky eater, you can find things that will appeal to you. For example, add new veggies to your favorite meal, or incorporate fruit into your morning routine. Taste Buds change over time, so keep trying and retrying foods. The more you expose yourself to new foods, the more likely you will hit on some you like.
Stick With Whole Foods
Sometimes we have to eat a quick meal on the go, but we can still grab something healthy. When possible, steer clear of processed foods. Highly processed foods diminish the nutritional value of your calorie intake and are linked to cancer, heart problems, digestive issues, and other ailments you want to avoid. The foods to avoid or at least significantly reduce in your diet include soda, candy, fast food, and most packaged snack foods.
Keep Healthy on Hand
Cutting processed food entirely from your diet is unnecessary, but moderation is vital to maintaining a healthy body. Eating anything excessively could adversely affect your mind, body, and overall health. Food is a necessary evil, but it doesn’t have to be burdensome to make it a priority. It helps to keep your house full of healthy options so that when you’re craving a snack, you’ll have plenty to choose from without opting for high-calorie salty, sugary, or greasy snacks.
Carolina Regional Orthopaedics, P.A.
Did you know that eating healthy foods can help with chronic pain management? It’s true. A diet that includes fresh, healthy foods reduces inflammation in the body and relieves pain. Let Carolina Regional Orthopaedics, P.A. help develop a treatment plan to alleviate chronic pain. Contact us today at 252-443-0400 to set up an appointment.