Holistic nutrition is a practice in which healthy foods are eaten that benefit all parts of a person’s well being. These lifestyle choices affect your body, as well as your mind. When hunger inevitably strikes, it is typically much easier to reach for processed foods. But those foods do little to keep our bodies healthy, and often have the exact opposite effect. A holistic approach to your nutrition includes steps to ensure your body is receiving the nutrients it so desperately needs.
Principles of Holistic Nutrition
Some of the principles of holistic nutrition include eating whole, raw, organic foods, cutting back on sugar, drinking plenty of water, reducing sodium intake, and eating local produce.
When looking for a snack, look for whole, organic foods. This may look like eating a banana or some grapes instead of having a cookie or some chips. Organic foods do not contain chemicals such as pesticides and hormones. These compounds can be harmful for your body and should be avoided if possible.
However, it should be noted that it is better for you to purchase local produce even if it is not certified organic than it is to buy certified organic foods that have been shipped long distances. Not only does local produce look and taste better, it’s better for you too!
Benefits of Holistic Nutrition
Under a holistic approach to nutrition, the food you consume is treated almost as a medicine to the body. This kind of approach can provide a number of health benefits, including:
- Weight loss
- Increased energy levels
- Improved mood
- Disease prevention
- Strengthened immune system
- Improved digestion
This list is not exhaustive when it comes to the potential benefits of a holistic approach to nutrition.
