If you’re a busy person on a tight schedule, it might be tempting for you to not pay too much attention to the food that you eat. However, there are a number of benefits that are derived from healthy and mindful eating, which have an impact not only on long-term wellbeing but also immediate productivity, sleep and mental health. Here are a number of benefits that are derived from healthy eating:

Increased Productivity

One of the most immediate rewards of healthy eating is a spike in productivity. A 2012 study in Population Health Management said an unhealthy diet created a 66% higher risk of low productivity[1]. If you feel like you’re having trouble getting through your daily to-do lists, try paying attention to what you’re eating and you’ll see an improvement.

Less Risk of Diseases

Better eating reduces the long-term risk of diabetes, depression and arthritis. A healthier diet also immediately decreases problems related to high blood pressure, which is the cause of heart diseases. Canadians are reported to eat about 3400mg of sodium daily, which is more than double the amount needed, and causes a high blood pressure[2].

Better Mood

Complex carbohydrates such as whole grains not only stabilize blood sugar but are also a source of seratonin, which improves mood. Foods contain a substance called tryptophan are also linked to mood because the body converts it to seratonin. If you have a busy lifestyle, you might often find yourself stressed and down: eating nutritious food can help ensure that you stay uplifted and positive in your daily life.

Better Mental Health

Fruits and vegetables are rich in minerals and vitamins, which have been known to reduce the risk of depression. Foods with omega-3 fats protect the brain against stress hormones like cortisol and foods with magnesium such as nuts and spinach keep stress low and manageable.

Weight Management

Eating healthy food can have dramatic impacts on weight management which lowers the impact on joints and improves energy and productivity levels. The Obesity Action Coalition reported that a lower weight also reduces lower blood pressure and improves cholestrol levels, ultimately reducing the risk of diabetes[3]. Weight management is especially difficult for people with full schedules, and so eating healthy food can help ensure weight is maintained without a need for too much exercise.

Less Healthcare Spending

Although healthy food can sometimes seem more expensive due to the higher prices of some food items, think of the reduced spending on healthcare and you will realize you come out on top. A 2012 study in the Journal of Health Economics reported that the average obese person spends $2,741 more on healthcare than a person of a normal weight[4]. Activ Eats can further remove the cost associated with a healthy lifestyle since it removes the time and traveling cost of grocery shopping as well.

More Concentration

Healthier food choices have been linked to better concentration. Studies show that the antioxidants in leafy greens protect brain cells from cognitive decline[5]. Similarly, foods like fish containing omega-3 fatty acids improve concentration and alertness. If you’re a busy person with a number of tasks to get through, eating healthier food is ideal to ensure you can get through your day efficiently and fluently.

Better Sleep

A 2007-08 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey showed that people receive better sleep with a better diet[6]. A regular good night’s sleep is linked to better productivity, better health and better immunity.

Less Chances of Cancer

In 2014, researchers found regular consumption of fruits reduced the risk of gastrointestinal cancer[7]. Vegetables, fruits and fiber all lower the risk of colorectal and liver cancer. Fruits, vegetables and nuts all also contain antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lycopene and vitamins A, C andE which boost cells against cancer[8].

Better Memory

Better nutrition is also linked to better retention and memory. A 2015 study found that foods containing vitamins D, C and E, omega 3 fatty acids, flavonoids and polyphenols all improve memory and help people retain facts and figures from their daily routines[9]. Foods such as fruits, vegetables and fish can all help you with your memory, which can be especially helpful if you’re someone with a full and busy schedule.

Although eating healthy might seem like a huge adjustment that drastically demands more money and more time from your day, there are many ways to easily navigate a healthy lifestyle which is cheaper and more manageable in the long run. Healthy food delivery systems in Canada like ActivEat are especially designed to cater to people on the go, and ensure that they get their nutritional requirements while enjoying tasty food with a lot of variety. Programs like these are excellent alternatives for you if you want to be healthier but don’t know where to start.

[1] https://www.marketscreener.com/HEALTHWAYS-INC-8345/news/Healthways-Inc-Poor-Employee-Health-Habits-Drive-Lost-Productivity-According-to-Major-New-Study-14448449/

[2] https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/food-nutrition/sodium-intake-canadians-2017.html

[3] https://www.obesityaction.org/community/article-library/hypertension-and-obesity-how-weight-loss-affects-hypertension/

[4] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120409103247.htm

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2805706/

[6] https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/overweight-obesity

[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5980829/

[8] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/stomach-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html

[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4008802/