HOW DO YOU EAT HEALTHY ON A BUDGET, OR IN THE MIDST OF A BUSY SCHEDULE?
That’s a question many Americans are asking themselves these days, especially as grocery prices rise at an alarming rate and it becomes more cost-effective to go through the drive-thru. Whether you’re finding yourself eating too many unhealthy foods or are trying to balance wellness with a busy lifestyle, it’s crucial to take a look at your diet and to know the signs of poor nutrition. It can also be helpful to join a wellness community like Youngevity, which provides personalized nutrition resources and products that can help you live your best life.
A few signs that you’re not getting enough nutrients from the foods you eat might include:
- Fatigue
- Slow-healing wounds
- Weight loss
- Hair loss
- Impaired cognitive skills
- Poor oral health
Navigating any of these issues can be scary, but the good news is, there are plenty of things you can do to turn your health around. By making better choices when it comes to food and drink and learning more about supplements, you can take steps to get your wellness on the right track.
CHOOSE YOUR SNACKS MINDFULLY
It’s easy to reach for the most handy item when you’re hungry, and that often includes chips, cookies, and other foods that should be considered treats. That’s why it’s a good idea to plan ahead and have nutritious items at the ready when hunger strikes, especially if you have a busy schedule and need to eat on the go. Protein bars, nuts, dried fruit, string cheese, and pre-cut veggies such as carrot and celery sticks are perfect snacks that can easily be grabbed on your way out the door or kept in your desk at work. Not only that, reaching for these items instead of unhealthier snacks is a great way to model healthy behaviors for younger members of your family.
EAT FOR FUEL
For many people, the need to snack strikes because they’re not getting enough nutrient-rich foods for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. By choosing protein-heavy meals, you can provide the fuel your body needs to keep going on a busy day and cut down on the need to snack at the same time. Eggs, natural nut butter, chicken breasts, tuna, cottage cheese, yogurt, lentils, and quinoa are just a few of the best foods you can work into your daily meals when you need more protein.
TRADE SIMPLE CARBS FOR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
While carbs can also provide a measure of energy for the day, it’s important to keep in mind that too many simple carbohydrates can leave you feeling sluggish and can negatively affect your blood sugar. Not only that, if you’re trying to maintain a healthy weight, eating a lot of carbs can be problematic. Balance them out with plenty of fresh vegetables and low-sugar fruit, and be mindful of the refined sugars hiding in pastas and breads.
DON’T FORGET THE DRINKS
Good nutrition isn’t just about what you eat; it’s also in what you drink. Staying hydrated is a major concern for many people, especially those who are constantly busy; look for a refillable water bottle that you can carry with you throughout the day so you can keep track of how much you’re drinking. If you’re a big coffee drinker, keep in mind that caffeine can have a diuretic effect, so it’s a good idea to drink water between cups.
Making better choices for your nutrition is crucial not just for the present, but for your future health. By choosing healthy snacks, learning to read food labels, and staying hydrated, you can ensure that your wellness stays on track at any age.
For more information on how you can improve your health visit Youngevity.com and learn more about optimal wellness and foundational nutrition.
