Healthy eating is a goal many strive to achieve, but when lunchtime comes around and the hunger pains begin, picking up a fast-food sandwich seems easier than making a salad with fresh greens. Andrea Kelly is a nutrition coach who believes good nutrition is attainable and can make a difference in overall wellness. She shares five facts you need to know about nutrition:
- Nutrition has the power to prevent disease and illness. Eating whole, nutritious foods and avoiding processed foods prevents obesity. Obesity can lead to diseases and conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure, and certain cancers.
- Food is the fuel that is needed to energize us; therefore, the quality of food you are eating is important. “When eating processed foods that have no nutritional value, you won’t feel or function at your best because your body is not getting the nutrients it needs,” Andrea shared. “Your energy will be low and you will struggle to complete your daily activities.”
- Your mental and emotional health can be directly affected by the foods you are eating. Feeding your body the proper nutrients fills your gut with good bacteria which affects the brain. When your gut is healthy, you are less likely to be affected by depression and anxiety.
- Fad diets are temporary whereas eating real food is a more sustainable solution for optimal health. Promises of overnight success with a pill or meal replacement shakes usually lead to unsustainable weight loss and long-term disappointment. “Don’t think of eating well in terms of ‘dieting,’” encouraged Andrea. “Think of it as a lifestyle change. Make deliberate, but subtle shifts in your daily eating habits that you can sustain long-term.”
- Eating for your health does not have to be expensive. Plan meals in advance around fruits and vegetables that are in-season and on sale. Connect with local growers to discover opportunities to buy excess produce and freeze it for future use. Consider having at least one meatless dinner meal every few days. When you purchase fewer processed foods, this will also allow extra room in your budget.
Andrea Kelly is presenting “Nutrition Matters: Learn how to eat your way to wellness” starting in September of 2017. This four-week session includes a weekly one-hour online class and individual counseling. The group is limited to 10 people, and the cost is $100. Subsequent sessions may be available in the future. Click here to register or call Julian Healthcare at 765-530-8008.