What Makes Whole Foods so Healthy?
You’ve probably heard about the importance of eating whole foods. This is undoubtedly one of the most discussed topics in the fitness and health sphere.
But, what makes whole foods so healthy and beneficial for us? More importantly, what would happen if we don’t get enough of these foods?
In this post, we’ll go over the most important things you need to know about this subject. Let’s dive in.
They Are Jam-Packed With Vital Nutrients
High-quality protein, heart-healthy fats, complex carbs, dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. What do all of these things have in common? That’s right; all of them come from whole foods.
The human body is an incredibly complicated piece of biological machinery. It needs a wide range of nutrients to function optimally and remain healthy.
For example, vitamin C is vital for our immune system health, growth, development, skin health, and more. Citrus fruits are one fantastic source that can quickly provide us with our daily needs of the nutrient.
Using reliable nutrition software can help you track your daily nutrient intake better and see where you might be falling behind.
They Are Essential to Our Fitness Efforts
Let’s face it:
Regular exercise is one side of the fitness coin. The other side is our nutrition. No matter how hard we push ourselves and how consistently we hit the gym, all of that effort would be in vain if we don’t fuel ourselves well.
Much like a car needs quality fuel to run well, so does the human body.
Consider, for example, weight loss. This is a goal for many people. The problem is, most people attack the goal with a one-sided approach: focusing on exercise.
Whole and healthy foods are also vital because they are incredibly satiating, contribute to stable energy levels, and are typically less calorie-dense than processed food is. All of this means that we can more easily stick with a calorie-restricted diet, achieve our goals, and feel much better in the process.
They Boost Our Energy Levels, Mood, And Athletic Ability
Think of a time when you ate nothing but processed foods throughout the entire day. How did you feel? Chances are, you felt lazy, unmotivated, and guilty.
The truth is, whole foods are vital for our fitness and health because they make us feel incredible. Our mood is high, we have more energy, and we get to have fantastic workouts.
One reason why that is has to do with insulin. As you consume processed foods rich in fast-digesting carbs, your insulin levels spike. Then, an hour or two later, insulin levels drop, and you experience the common sugar crash.
With whole foods, the rises and drops in insulin and much more gradual, and you don’t have to subject yourself to this rollercoaster that changes your mood, motivation, and energy levels every couple of hours.
Conclusion
Whole foods are vital for us. They provide us with essential nutrients, help us feel better, support our mood, and allow us to have better workouts. Over time, these small benefits add up to significant improvements.
If you’re looking for a healthy weekly meal plan with grocery list, we’ve got you covered. At Evolution Nutrition, we strive to provide the best experience and help you elevate your health, fitness, and well-being.