Value of Nutritional Wellness
Another piece to overall health is nutritional wellness. Nutritional wellness is a foundational piece of overall well-being. What we consume directly impacts not only our physical health but also our mental, emotional, spiritual and even social well-being. Let’s dive into talking about food and the importance it has in our daily lives.
How many of you have a good relationship with food? Do you view food as the enemy or as a source of fuel and nourishment? Whatever your answer may have been to those two questions, let go of any judgement you may have, and know that your relationship with food can heal if need be. Food can bring us joy, happiness, connection, love and appreciation! These are all the things we need most in our lives.
Let’s look at how balanced nutrition fuels physical health. A well-balanced diet provides the essential nutrients our bodies need to function optimally. Macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins, and fats provide energy, while micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals support various bodily processes. Consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods ensures that our bodies can repair tissues, fight infections, and maintain energy levels. Nutrition also plays a crucial role in physical fitness, influencing energy levels, endurance, and recovery. Adequate protein intake is vital for muscle repair and growth, while carbohydrates replenish glycogen stores after exercise. Once you realize the power that food has in improving your health, the more you will want to give your body what it needs to feel its best.
Did you know that mental health and nutrition are closely linked? The brain requires a constant supply of nutrients to maintain cognitive function and emotional balance. Certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and antioxidants, play a critical role in brain health. For example, omega-3s, found in fish, nuts, and seeds, are known to support cognitive function and may help reduce symptoms of depression. On the other hand, diets high in processed foods and sugars have been linked to increased anxiety and depression. Prioritizing nutrient-rich foods can enhance mood, improve concentration, and reduce the risk of mental health disorders. What you put in your mouth matters. It is possible to shift your health with just food. WOW! Your gut and mental health will improve by shifting what you eat.
Eating a variety of food and eating the rainbow makes our gut happy. Gut health is central to overall wellness. Afterall, our gut is our second brain! The gut microbiome, which consists of trillions of bacteria, is influenced by the food we eat. A diet rich in fiber, probiotics, and prebiotics supports a healthy gut environment, which is essential for digestion, nutrient absorption, and immune function. An imbalanced gut microbiome has been linked to various health issues, including inflammatory conditions, obesity, and mental health disorders.
We are not only what we eat, we are also what we ABSORB. We can do our best to get all our nutrition through food, but our soil is not what it used to be. Here is where supplementation can be helpful, as well as eating in a parasympathetic (rest and digest) state. Take time to slow down and savor each bite (for at least one meal if you can!). Over in Europe it is common for people to have a 2-hour lunch or dinner because they recognize the importance of enjoying a meal and eating in a relaxed state. The US needs to adopt this tradition!
Nutritional wellness is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, influencing physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. By prioritizing balanced nutrition, supporting gut health, optimizing physical fitness and making mindful food choices, we can enhance our overall quality of life. Vitality carries only natural wholefood supplements that your body recognizes as food and absorbs the nutrients more efficiently. If you are curious about supporting your overall health, contact us to set up a Nutrition Consult and we can individualize exactly what your body needs.