As COVID-19 continues to keep everyone in their homes, people have learned to boost their immune system and take better care of themselves. Many have also resorted to glowing up while becoming healthier and happier amidst the dark times. While self-care is vital, many forget that taking care of themselves goes beyond having clear skin and loving their body. Self-care also involves the food you eat.
If you want to start eating healthier through your diet, here are seven tips to get you started with better self-care through your meals.
Avoid High Sugar Intake
Sugary foods and drinks may curb your cravings and stress. However, high sugar intake can lead to diabetes and rotten teeth. Likewise, sugar may help give you the boost you need. But after the sugar rush has gone down, you may crash and feel tired. Instead of reaching for your usual sweet treats, go for whole grains combined with fruits or protein. This food combination gives you a slow release of energy without making you crash and feel tired.
Eat for Your Gut
Your gastrointestinal tract acts as a protective barrier against harmful bacteria and viruses trying to get through your system. It is also where 90% of your serotonin is. This is a neurotransmitter that affects your mood, sleep, memory, and emotions. Having a healthy gut means a healthier mind and body. Food such as natural yogurt, miso, walnuts, almonds, oat bran, bananas, kimchi, and garlic are great for your gut.
The best part is these foods are readily available in supermarkets in bustling communities. For example, residents of Soho Central in Mandaluyong can start eating healthier by getting these gut-friendly foods from the shopping centers neighboring the condo development.
Load Your Plate with Fruits and Veggies
Eating your greens might not be the most delicious, but fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals your body needs. Green leafy vegetables provide calcium, iron, antioxidants, and carotenoids. Red veggies such as tomatoes and red carrots are rich in lycopene, which helps fight heart ailments and certain cancers. Fruits provide various vitamins to boost your immune system, strengthen bones, build collagen, and improve eyesight publisuites.
Eat Regularly
Starving yourself leads to you feeling weak and lazy throughout the day. It also leads to low cognitive functioning. Skipping meals may lead to fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and stomach aches. Introduce a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and fiber into your diet every day to give your body the nutrients it needs. Start slow when reintroducing eating at least three times a day so your body won’t be overwhelmed.
Drink Plenty of Water
Drink at least eight glasses of water every day to energize your body and to aid better brain functioning. There are times when you mistake hunger for thirst, so it is essential to hydrate yourself to regulate your food intake.
Cook Mindfully
Preparing your food is as important as watching what you eat. Taking time to cook your meals allows you to be mindful of the ingredients you put into your food. Being mindful when cooking is also a great way to destress and temporarily detach yourself from the chaos at work and in the city. Cooking for others is also a great way to boost self-esteem and happiness levels.
Eat Mindfully
Take at least one day to focus on eating your meals. Doing so means turning off the TV, putting away your phone, and shutting down your laptop. Taking your time to eat enables you to enjoy every bite and flavor of your meal. It is also a great way to reconnect with loved ones through food, which is a blessing.
Overall, the food you eat should nourish your body, mind, and soul. Start with these seven tips to be on your way to a healthier and happier you while also honing better eating habits.