The Benefits of a Healthy Eating Plan

Every day we’re surrounded by health and fitness messages. Try this diet. Do this exercise. It’s so easy to get lost in all the noise, so we turn our heads and go back to the way we were. Whether we want to believe it or not, the risks of unhealthy eating are high and can lead to heart disease, diabetes and even death.

What is a Healthy Eating Plan?

A healthy eating plan is a daily meal plan that emphasizes healthy food choices in the right portions like vegetables, lean meats, fruit and whole grains. A healthy meal plan can, and should, be altered based on individual need and overall health.

The Benefits of a Healthy Eating Plan

There are so many reasons to stick to a healthy eating plan. Some are obvious, such as lower blood pressure, weight loss and heart health to name a few. Some other, not so obvious, reasons include:

1. Better Mood
Believe it or not, healthy eating can help regulate your mood by stabilizing your blood sugar consistently throughout the day.

2. Energy Booster
Eating right can actually boost your energy levels because you are giving your body the proper fuel it needs to function at a higher level. Heavy fatty foods are harder for the body to process and can leave you feeling sluggish and tired.

3. Healthy Body, Healthy Glow
Eating healthy foods won’t just clean up your insides, they will rev up your outsides too. Hair, skin and nails require vitamins and minerals to stay healthy and strong. A healthy eating plan can provide your body with the nutrients it needs to keep your skin supple and youthful looking.

Examples of Healthy Eating Plans

There are different types of healthy eating plans to choose from depending on your lifestyle and needs. Here are just a few:

1. Traditional
A traditional plan includes a variety of foods that include fruits, vegetables and protein.

2. High Protein
A high protein diet focuses on lean proteins and very little carbohydrates.

3. Plant Based
The plant based meal plan is exactly as it sounds. The primary food source is focused mainly on vegetables with fruit a close second. Servings of protein and grains is minimal in this type of plan. These are just a few examples in the spectrum of healthy meal plans. The key to any healthy meal is portion control. There is an easy way to measure portions, just use your hand! Proteins should be 3 ounces or no bigger than the palm of your hand. Fruits and vegetables should be served in a portion that is no bigger than your fist.

The healthy eating plan infographic below is a great place to start. Happy healthy eating.

Healthy Eating Plan infographic