THE SAME PLATE DEBATE HOW VARIETY CAN SAVE YOUR GUT, MOOD, AND MEALS
If you are stuck on your go-to kale smoothie or healthy quinoa salad for lunch, it may be time to shake up your plate and add a little variety to the menu. Eating the same thing every day might seem like a safe bet and an easy way to meal prep in your busy routine. But your body and taste buds deserve new flavors to keep things fresh and boost your immune system. Even the most nutritious diets can easily turn into a food rut. Grab a plate as we explore why you shouldn’t eat the same food daily. FIXATION OR FOOD FRUSTRATION? Turning to the same recipes daily could signal something about your mental or emotional health. Variety isn’t just crucial for our physical well-being; it keeps our minds engaged and helps prevent us from feeling blue. People who limit what and how much they eat may have an eating disorder called avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). ARFID can lead to health problems, as it causes people to avoid certain nutritious foods or not eat at all. NUTRIENTS NEED NEWNESS Your body needs a variety of nutrients and foods to stay healthy and balanced. If you are eating the same meals, you might miss out on the ingredients your gut microbiome and immune system crave. Repeating recipes too often could lead to nutrient deficiencies and starve your body of proteins and essential vitamins. While consuming
some of the same foods every week is generally fine, change it up enough to get a good mix of antioxidant-rich foods.
SAME BITES, SNEAKY SIGNS By avoiding new cuisine, you could miss essential food allergy or intolerance signs. If you have the same breakfast every morning but don’t feel well afterward, trying an alternative could show you that your preferred plateful is actually hurting more than helping. By restricting items in your diet, you could even develop new food sensitivities over time. Listen to your body and be willing to make adjustments if that routine treat is causing discomfort.
SOLE-FUL SOLUTIONS
The Healing Powers of a Stroll
We all know walking is good for us, but how it affects our physical and mental well-being is astounding. If you need new motivation to move, here are three fascinating research findings that prove the healing powers of a healthy pace. STEPS TOWARD SERENITY Our soles can lead us to a calmer soul. As revealed in a landmark 2024 study conducted in Spain, people who walked 7,000 steps daily had a 31% lower chance of experiencing depression than those who only walked 5,000 steps. Those who walked between 7,500 and 10,000 steps daily saw that figure rise to 43%. Before pursuing medicinal means for treating a low mood, see if walking a mile or two might do the trick first. STRUTS OVER SWEETS When we’re stressed, surrounded by decadent food, or simply want to indulge in something sugary, we may be tempted to partake in eating habits that add harmful fats and excess calories to our diets.
Before binging on a chocolate bar, go for a 15-minute walk. According to research conducted at the University of Exeter in England, taking a stroll for even this short period can drastically reduce chocolate cravings, cravings for other high-sugar snacks, or decrease the amount you may consume once you return home. Additionally, studies suggest that a five-minute walk after a meal can positively affect blood sugar levels. ACTIVE FEET AND FLU PREVENTION With cold and flu season approaching, putting our shoes to work can do wonders in stopping sneezing and coughing from slowing down our day. Harvard Medical School notes that a study of 1,000 men and women revealed that those who walked at least 20 minutes daily, five days a week, took 43% fewer sick days during the winter.
With this information in mind, how many more steps will you take this month, week, or year?
2
DRSLADIC.COM
Published by Newsletter Pro • NewsletterPro.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator