Eating determines how well your body functions. While one perfect diet does not exist, it is important to realize that the foods you eat affect every cell in your body and determine your quality of wellness. According to the McKinley Health Center, wellness is your life-long process of being the best you can be. Wellness includes physical, mental and emotional health, and the foods you eat profoundly impact each of these realms.
Eating for Energy
Eating provides you with the nutrients and energy needed to perform the required activities to be healthy. Having the energy to engage in meaningful life activities is an essential component of wellness. Not eating right is like driving a vehicle that is about to break down. Eating four to five small meals a day instead of the standard three larger meals will regulate your blood sugar better and produce consistent levels of energy.
Eating to Prevent Disease
A direct correlation exists between the food you eat and your likelihood of developing certain diseases. According to the University of Minnesota, or UM, wellness suffers and health declines when you eat too much or too little, or choose the wrong foods. Americans' standard dietary habits seem to put up roadblocks to achieving wellness. In fact, according to UM, 78 percent of the health-care costs in the U.S. go toward treating chronic disease. Researchers attribute a large portion of these costs to diet. A diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean, organic protein contributes to the prevention of heart disease, diabetes and other obesity-related diseases.
Eating for Mental Health
What you eat not only contributes to your physical wellness, but also your mental wellness. The National Institute on Aging reports that eating a well-rounded diet, including fresh fruits and vegetables, might contribute to wellness by slowing the rate of cognitive decline that occurs as you age. It appears that a healthy diet slows cognitive decline by slowing the damaging effects of free radicals on the brain.
Hydration and Wellness
Maintaining proper hydration is essential for your overall wellness. According to the Mayo Clinic, even slight water loss can prevent normal energy production and mental function. Dehydration can impede wellness by causing headaches, dizziness, increased heart rate, low blood pressure and fatigue. It is recommended that you consume at least 64 oz. of water each day -- more if engaging in exercise.
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