Quality food creates quality function and balance within the body.
We experience health and vitality when nutrient-rich foods support optimal function and balance. We are full of life and on top of our game.
When our food lacks quality, it creates dysfunction and imbalance. Vitality is compromised which may lead to fatigue, afternoon crashes, brain fog, etc.
While we are designed to overcome dysfunction and imbalance, it takes extra work to do so. Over time, the extra work takes a toll on the body.
Eventually, our bodies are unable to keep up. Chronic imbalances and dysfunction lead us further away from health and more and more towards chronic disease.
Nutrient-Rich Foods
Nutrient-rich foods are those that are in, or closest to, their whole, real food state.
You can think about this in terms of what your great grandmother would recognize as food.
Broccoli? Yes!!!
Processed vegetable chips? No!!!
Calorie-Rich Foods
The deck is stacked against us. We are surrounded by convenient and processed foods that are calorie rich and nutrient poor. Fast food restaurants. Packaged foods taking up most of the grocery store. Sugar laden foods surrounding you in the grocery check-out lane.
Our busy lives make these convenient options all the more appealing.
The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) recommends 1.5-2 cups of fruits AND 2-3 cups of vegetables per day. Following a more Mediterranean based plan, these recommendations are low, especially for vegetables.
As of 2019, 12% of American adults consumed the fruit recommendation per day. When it comes to vegetables, 10% of American adults ate the recommended number of vegetables per day. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/71/wr/mm7101a1.htm
Where do you stack up in terms of vegetable and fruit intake? No judgment. Just pure honest assessment as to where you are today.
Adding Nutrient-Rich Foods
Creating meals at home is one of the best ways to incorporate more nutrient-rich foods (including vegetables and fruits) into your meals. Does this mean you need to create ALL your meals at home? No. Does this mean that you need to spend hours in the kitchen every day? No.
Will it take some time and effort? Yes. Anything worthwhile does. And your health is worth it!
Do whole, real foods sound great? Is it something you have intended to add into your life but not sure how? Follow along via your preferred social media avenue. Facebook LinkedIn Instagram
Grab the free heart healthy cookbook to get started today.
