There are some weeks when work just sucks the life out of me. By the time I get home, I have zero motivation to cook which leads me to order take out. Sound familiar? Well, you’re not alone. In fact, America’s history of fast, frozen and canned meals is correlated with the switch to spending more time at work and less time at home. While take-out saves us time and energy, it could have long term consequences. Those fast and easy meals have a higher chance of being high in saturated fats, sugars, and carbohydrates. 

Though the busy nature of our lives continues to worsen, we must work harder to ensure that we are eating well so that we can live healthy lives. A balanced diet takes work. You have to remember to buy the groceries to get all the necessary ingredients to make healthy meals. You’ll need to be highly motivated to begin that journey. So in order to motivate you, here are some tangible benefits that come with eating healthy. 

1. Brain Power

Eating well doesn’t just mean having a better BMI or a smaller number on the scale. It means helping our brains function at optimal levels. Eating well means your brain is getting everything it needs to succeed. There are studies that show the correlation between a diet high in refined sugars and impaired brain function. A diet that is based on foods that are bad for the body can lead to higher risk of depression or other mood disorders. Our bodies and our brains need good food to function.

2. Better Immune System

Have you ever been in a season of getting sick constantly? It could be due to a poor diet. Increasing the recommended dose of vitamins and minerals in each meal can lead to a longer period of not getting sick. Eating vegetables, fruits and foods low in fat can ensure you have a healthy immune system.

3. Energy Boost

In our caffeine addicted society, it’s good to remember that there are alternative ways to boost your energy. Our body uses fats, protein, and carbohydrates as the main sources of nutrients used for energy. Water transports these nutrients, which is why dehydration can lead to a lack of energy. Low iron can also cause low energy, irritability and fatigue. 

4. Saves Money

And I’d be remiss without reminding you of all the money you’ll save if you eat with intention. Eating out often not only gives you less control over what you’re eating, but also increases your spending. When we meal prep and buy groceries for the whole week, we can save money on eating out. Saving a few extra dollars here or there will allow you to spend more on other forms of self-care. So in the end it all goes back to healthy eating.