Most of us feel better when we eat a balanced diet full of nutrient-rich foods, but it’s not always easy to do – vending machines in the lobby and fast-food restaurants on every corner make junk food a cheap and convenient alternative. Unfortunately, it often takes more time and money to eat healthily, but there are many short-term and long-term benefits to be gained for both your physical and your mental health. Listed below are some positive ways healthy food influences your overall life:

Controls weight

Together with exercise, eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of fruit, vegetables, and whole grains, as well as a moderate amount of meat, dairy, and unsaturated fats, can help you maintain a steady weight. Eating a good variety of these foods every day leaves less room for foods that are high in sugar and fat, which are some of the leading causes of weight gain. Since carbonation and excessive sodium can both lead to constipation and a bloated stomach, limiting your intake of sodium and carbonated drinks high in sugar will help promote digestion and lead do a flatter stomach and leaner physique.

Combats diseases

Consistently eating a healthy diet can significantly prolong your lifespan by reducing the risk of many chronic diseases, including high blood pressure, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. If you want to take better care of your cardiovascular health, a great idea might be to add some superfood supplements into your diet, such as the great cod liver oil. Full of omega-3 fatty acids and high in vitamin D, cod liver oil is perfect for lowering cholesterol, preventing heart disease and even treating diabetes. Apart from this incredible oil, places such as superfoods Australia offer a wide variety of healthy superfoods and supplements, necessary for maintaining your overall health.

Boosts energy

We’ve all felt lethargic after eating too much unhealthy food at some point in our lives. But when you eat a balanced diet, your body receives the fuel it needs to manage your energy levels efficiently. So, avoid eating food that contains excess fat, sugar, and carbohydrates, and opt for small, frequent, healthy meals, in order to maintain steady blood sugar and consistent energy levels throughout the day.

Improves mood

Taking good care of your body pays off for your mind as well. Eating only when you’re hungry and stopping when you’re full can keep your blood sugars and energy levels in check, which in turn promotes positive moods and clear thinking. Recent research has also found that a diet which is focused on improving gut bacteria has a largely positive impact on your behavior, mood and brain development. In order to potentially gain any of these perks, base your diet on gut-beneficial foods and drinks, such as kefir, miso soup, berries, and cruciferous vegetables.

Betters social life

Because eating better can help you both physically and emotionally, it can also make you more likely to seek and enjoy social activities. Several studies have linked good nutrition with positive social development, as people who ate healthier diets showed more friendliness and tendencies towards social interactions than those who didn’t. If you are prone to anxiety, another thing to consider is limiting your caffeine and alcohol intake, which can fuel your symptoms and consequentially worsen your social life. Instead, stick to a diet rich in nutrients, stay hydrated with beverages such as water, low-fat milk, and herbal tea, and improve your overall quality of life.

Instead of jumping straight into a completely new eating regime, make gradual changes to your eating habits that you can stick with over the long haul. For example, start by replacing soda with water or eating a small salad with dinner every night – even small changes can add up to big differences in your health over time. Change your diet gradually and enjoy the better life you have with better health.