Obesity and illness related to a poor diet have been on the rise in the past few decades. These issues sometimes start at home. Because of that, it is important to set a good example and give the family proper nutrition. Here are the six top benefits of providing a family with top nutrition.
1). Keep the Family Members Physically Healthy
The biggest benefit of the right nutrition is that the family stays healthy. This starts at home with homemade meals that are nutritious for your family. It is also important to participate in physical activities outdoors in order to keep physically fit and healthy. Poor health can affect multiple areas of life. For instance, if one of the parents has an illness related to a poor diet, it can prevent him from working. This could cause a strain on family finances. If a child is sick because of poor nutrition it can prevent them from participating in activities with other children and take away from enjoying their childhood.
2). Keeps Medical Cost Down
When people are not eating the right diet, they get sick. That can lead to more doctor visits, medications and other associated medical costs. That’s why it is important to prevent illness from happening by eating the right foods. To put it another way, everything that a family puts into their mouths affects their body.
3). Gives Kids Energy to Succeed in School and Sports
If your child wants to succeed at school and at sports, then he will want to have the right nutrition. Here is a list of the best brain foods that have been linked to better mental activity: Fatty fish, blueberries, turmeric, broccoli, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, and nuts. If your child wants to succeed in sports, he will need to have the right amount of protein in order to build muscle. Your child will also want to avoid unhealthy foods that will slow him down. Here are some of the recommended foods for growing kids:
- Whole grains (Oats, brown rice, whole grain bread, whole grain breakfast cereals, sweet potatoes)
- Fruits (Two to four servings per day)
- Vegetables (Three to five servings per day)
4). Sets a Good Example for Children
Children learn good habits at a young age. That includes everything from cleaning up their room to eating the right foods. If children think that it is okay to eat candy all the time, then they will not have the nutrition that they need. Sometimes it can be a challenge for parents to educate their children on the proper eating habits. That’s why it is a good idea to look into nutrition consulting as a way to put a family on the right track. A nutrition expert can provide many services such as performance nutrition for kids who play sports, meal planning, and recovery nutrition for those who are sick.
5). Helps with Mental Health
When most people think of nutritional effects on the body, they tend to think of weight and physical changes. However, food plays a big role in mental health and brain health. For instance, saturated or unhealthy fats have been linked to brain diseases such as Alzhemiers and dementia. On the other hand, healthy fats such as Omega three fats found in fish and walnuts are linked to brain health. Beyond brain health, nutrition can affect how we feel. For instance, processed foods, fried foods, caffeine, and gluten have been linked to a rise in anxiety. Other foods such as raw fruits, raw vegetables, walnuts, whole grains, and salmon have a calming effect on the body. Knowing these simple facts can help everyone feel calmer and centered at home.
6). Keeps Food Costs Down
Finally, good nutrition means that you are not spending your grocery on junk food and other expensive, unhealthy fast food. For instance, buying a dinner of four at McDonald’s can cost close to $30 for that one meal. With $30, you can buy a week’s worth of groceries for the family.
Giving Your Family the Right Nourishment
By knowing which foods are healthy, you will be able to create an excellent nutritional foundation for your family. That starts with filling your home with the right foods and educating your children about healthy eating habits. By following the right diet, the whole family can have a healthy, happy and productive life.
