Some of the long-term effects of healthy eating can be felt in the short term in the areas of stabilized energy levels, personal satisfaction and simply getting oriented in the right direction for positive change. Although your eventual goals of reduced weight, increased physical abilities and feelings of accomplishment may take an extended period of dieting and exercise, you can start reaping some benefits very quickly.
The Satisfaction of a New Beginning
Removing obstacles to a healthy diet such as processed foods and snacks on your shelves will clear the way to stock up on healthy alternatives. MayoClinic.com suggests that you can replace unhealthy diet choices by starting each food-shopping trip in the fresh fruit and veggies area of the market, where a wide choice of colors will introduce a good variety of vitamins and minerals to your diet. Cut-up fruit and veggies with a flavored, low-fat yogurt dip for between meals will signal that you are on the right road to a healthy diet without being tempted by high-sodium and sugar-filled snacks on the shelves.
Reduced Energy Lows
Even before you see lower numbers on your weight scale, you can feel the difference in getting off refined grains and sugary snacks by the longer-lasting energy levels you will experience from eating whole-grain foods. MyPyramid.gov states that whole-grain breads, cereals and pastas will deliver energy over a longer period of time than milled-grain products so you will be less likely to experience low spots of energy in your late afternoons or evenings. The entire kernel contained in whole-grain foods also delivers a natural supply of iron and B-complex vitamins along with dietary fiber.
Increased Regularity
Even in the short term, eating whole, fresh foods will help you feel better due to better gastrointestinal regularity. The dietary fiber in whole-grain foods, fresh fruits and veggies increases colon health and regulates food processing in your body for proper digestion. Reduced bloating and easier bowel movements due to more roughage in your diet are definite pluses you can begin experiencing soon after moving toward a healthier diet.
Lower Blood Pressure
You could experience lower blood pressure in as little as two weeks after starting a healthier diet with lower sodium and fat content. DukeHealth.org says that a diet with more fresh fruits, veggies, low-fat dairy items and lean meat choices has shown a drop in dieters' blood pressure in as short a time period as two weeks. Called the DASH eating plan, the diet is low in fat content, especially saturated fats, and uses no supplemental pills or special foods.
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