Insider Health Today 2023

Eating right is a superpower! It helps you stay strong, fight off sickness, and feel great. But you might wonder, "What does eating right mean?" This article will help you understand how to eat better and feel better!

Our bodies are like engines, and food is our fuel. We need different kinds of food to run our bodies the best way possible. These include proteins (like meat and beans), carbohydrates (like bread and rice), fats (like butter and oils), vitamins (found in many fruits and veggies), and minerals (like calcium in milk).

Balance Your Plate:

Imagine your meal is a painting, and your plate is your canvas. Half of your plate should be filled with colorful fruits and veggies. One-fourth of it should have lean proteins like chicken or tofu. The last fourth should have whole grains like brown rice or whole wheat bread.

Choose Natural Foods:

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Whole foods are foods that are in their natural state, just as they come from nature. These are fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, and beans. They are usually full of good things like fiber, protein, and other nutrients.

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Avoid Too Many Processed Foods:

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Processed foods are changed a lot from their natural state. They often have extra salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. These foods are okay sometimes, but not all the time.

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Drink Lots of Water:

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Water is very important for our bodies. Try to drink at least eight cups of water a day. Fruits and veggies can also help keep you hydrated because they have a lot of water in them.

Remember to stay hydrated!

Listen to Your Body:

Your body is smart! It will tell you when it's hungry and when it's full. Try to listen to it and eat when you're hungry and stop when you're full.

Science Says:

Scientists have found that people who eat lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are usually healthier. They don't get sick as often and live longer. That's why it's good to choose whole foods over processed ones.

Insider Health Today

Studies involving over 150,000 participants have shown a significant correlation between lower physical fitness levels and increased symptoms of depression and anxiety. Notably, those with lower cardiorespiratory fitness and muscle strength were found to be at higher risk for these mental health issues. These findings suggest a potential causal relationship between physical fitness and improved mental health, though the mechanisms behind this relationship are yet to be fully elucidated​.

In another investigation spanning eight days, researchers assessed the impact of various food choices on momentary happiness and satisfaction. The findings challenge the common belief that "unhealthy" foods bring more joy than healthy ones. In fact, choosing healthy foods such as fruits and vegetables was found to not result in lower levels of eating happiness compared to "unhealthy" foods. Moreover, it was found that main meals brought more happiness and satisfaction than snacks, irrespective of the type of food consumed. This body of evidence supports a shift in perception towards viewing food not merely as nourishment, but also as a significant source of well-being​.

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Now we know that eating healthier isn't hard. You can start by adding more fruits and veggies to your meals or choosing whole foods instead of processed snacks. Remember, it's not about being perfect. Every healthy choice you make helps you become stronger and healthier!