It’s no secret that eating a healthy diet makes you feel better while also reducing your risk of developing a variety of illnesses and diseases. As a welcome bonus, committing to nourishing your body with the right foods can also provide a bevy of desirable side effects. Being intentional about changing your diet can deliver significant benefits when you want to improve many aspects of your life, including your appearance. Here are four of the most common positive side effects of a healthy diet.
More Energy
A balanced diet provides the energy that you need to get you through the rigors of the day. Other people may be able to see the uptick in energy that you feel when you take care to properly nourish your body with the right mix of nutrients. By focusing on foods that are energizing, your body and mind will be prepared to handle myriad challenges. It is also important to reduce consuming known energy zappers, including soda and other drinks loaded with sugar. Although high-sugar products might give you an immediate rush, you will likely crash shortly after.
Attractive Skin
A healthy diet improves your skin, giving you a radiant glow. The foods that you eat have a direct impact on the health and rate of aging of the body’s largest organ. If you’re looking to boost the attractiveness of your skin, keep in mind that most nutritionists recommend a diet rich in healthy fats, such as fatty fish and avocados. According to Belli Skincare, “calcium-rich foods are important for healthy skin, so make sure to get that vital nutrient from lots of green vegetables, like soy, broccoli, kale and collard greens.” Foods rich in antioxidants, like sweet potatoes and bell peppers, can also deliver clear and glowing skin.
Leaner Body Composition
One of the obvious visible effects of a healthy diet is lean body composition. By focusing on putting the best foods into your body, you will begin to notice that you are building more muscle while minimizing extra weight. As a result, your clothes will begin to start fitting better, delivering a boost in your self-confidence. By paying attention to adequate nutrition, you will naturally lose weight without having to resort to following fad diets. According to Zen Habits, “eating 4-5 times per day, about 300-400 calories per meal, eating when you’re slightly hungry, eating slowly, and allowing yourself some flexibility is a great place to start losing weight.” Put an emphasis on whole and unprocessed foods for the best results.
Shinier and Fuller Hair
Because hair is comprised mostly of protein, inadequate nutrition can manifest itself in its appearance. A poor diet can lead to dry and brittle hair as well as issues with the scalp. Thinning and sparse hair is also a sign that you are not getting the essential nutrients needed to promote healthy hair growth. According to Philip Kingsley, “you have roughly 120,000 hairs growing on your scalp at any given time, all of which need to be supported. However, what may be the most challenging part of sustaining hair growth is this: hair is not a vital organ or tissue, and this means your body will never prioritize its nutritional needs. Due to its expendable nature, a nutritional imbalance will often show up first in the form of excessive hair loss.” For fuller and shinier hair, be sure to take in plenty of protein, iron and essential fatty acids. The proper nutrients will also help to ensure that your hair does not shed at an abnormal rate.
The benefits of healthy eating cannot be overstated. In addition to improving your overall physical health, a proper diet can also make you more attractive and energized.