Health & Fitness
Why A Healthy Diet Is Even More Important Than You Think
March is National Nutrition Month, which means there's never been a better time to learn how what you eat impacts your overall health.
Good nutrition plays a vital role in our health. The foods we eat impact how we feel today and in the future, but a healthy diet benefits us in more ways than that.
March is National Nutrition Month, and there's never been a better time to learn why a nutritionally balanced diet is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle.
First things first, though: What does a healthy diet actually look like? Nutritional needs will vary for each person, but Banner Health registered dietitian Lindsey Manz says that for most people, "The bottom line is it’s best to follow a plant-based eating pattern with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy products."
Manz also recommends limiting saturated fats, trans fats and refined carbohydrates such as sugar, sweets and sugary beverages.
Related: Common-Sense Tips For A Healthy Diet
Banner Health's nutrition programs provide counseling and support services to help you better understand the impact diet plays on your overall health. When you schedule a nutritional consultation, a dietitian will work with you to complete an assessment of your overall nutritional status. Based on this assessment, the dietitian will create a personalized plan to help you get the nutrition you need.
Here are three reasons why a healthy, nutritious diet is even more important than you might think:
1. Good nutrition boosts energy and improves your mood.
Poor eating choices can lead to fatigue, but a healthy diet can have the opposite effect. According to EatRight.org, a website by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, eating the right proportions of healthy foods from multiple food groups is one of the best ways to boost your energy levels.
Eating at regular intervals and limiting foods and beverages with added sugars can also help you to feel your best and avoid energy crashes.
2. Eating a healthy diet helps you maintain a healthy weight.
Combined with regular activity, a heart-healthy diet is the best thing you can do to lose or maintain weight. Being overweight or obese increases your risk of developing some types of diabetes, unhealthy cholesterol, high blood pressure, heart disease, high blood sugar and even stroke.
If you are overweight or obese, talk to your health care provider about setting a healthy weight-loss goal. Banner Health's team of physicians, nutritionists, psychologists and specially trained staff members are available to help patients lose weight safely and keep it off.
3. Healthy eating can lower your risk of disease.
Making smart food choices can reduce your risk of chronic diseases, including those related to being overweight or obese. But according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, even for people at a healthy weight, a poor diet is associated with major health risks including heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), osteoporosis, certain types of cancer and some types of diabetes.
The good news is that healthy foods can help our bodies and minds function optimally, as well as prevent and treat disease.
Be proactive with your nutrition.
While many people can benefit from Banner Health's nutrition counseling, those who have been diagnosed and are living with various weight and medical issues may benefit the most.
Some of the most common reasons patients turn to Banner Health's nutrition programs are:
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- Digestive problems
- Weight management
- Prenatal nutrition
- Various pediatric conditions including poor weight gain/growth, food allergies, abdominal (GI) disorders, enteral and parenteral nutrition support, neonatal and infant feeding and more
Banner Health's dietitians will provide you with the knowledge you need to adopt and maintain healthy eating habits for a healthy life.
Learn More About Nutrition Services at Banner Health
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How To Keep Your Heart Healthy
How To Manage Your Family’s Health Checklist
The Most Confusing Health Insurance Terms, Explained
Sources:
Banner Health: Reducing Cholesterol With Healthy Eating
EatRight.org: Eating To Boost Energy
Banner Health: 5 Fantastic Tips To A Healthy Heart
HHS.gov: Importance Of Good Nutrition