Our Expert Nutrition Coaches Explain Why Whole Foods Are So Important
Nutrition plays such a crucial role in a healthy lifestyle and is the main driver behind reaching any fitness related goals we set or ourselves. The foods you eat can significantly impact your energy levels, recovery, muscle growth, and overall performance both in the gym and out. While processed foods might be convenient and tasty, they often fall short in providing the nutrients necessary for optimal health and fitness. On the other hand, whole foods offer numerous benefits that make them the superior choice for those looking to take their health and fitness to the next level.
Whole foods are foods that are unprocessed or minimally processed, such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains, and legumes. These foods are packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, which are necessary for optimal body function. Without these MICROnutrients, our food would essentially be “empty calories” and our body would lack proper nutrition. Think of these nutrients like the small helper nutrients. Your body would receive the calories from the food you consume, but wouldn’t be able to properly function because the helper nutrients aren’t present to do their job.
That’s why your diet can have such a huge impact on things like your energy level, skin appearance and so much more. Proper nutrition with foods rich in these micronutrients ensures that your body is using your food correctly. Also, while vitamins and minerals are important to make the most of the calories we eat, those calories are actually coming from MACROnutrients. This includes protein, carbs and fats, and whole foods are a great source for all of them!
While everyone has different goals and different approaches to get there, hen it comes to nutrition, protein is typically at the top of the list of importance when it comes to the macronutrients, and for good reason. Proteins are the building blocks of muscles, and consuming adequate protein is essential for muscle recovery and growth. They are also great at helping you feel full for longer which can help control those hunger cravings throughout the day.
Whole foods have plenty of high quality protein options such as lean meats like chicken, beef, lamb and fish, as well as non-meat options like eggs and legumes. So, there’s good way for everyone to get their protein in with whole food sources! It is crucial to make sure to consume enough protein throughout the day, so pick whichever option you prefer and get to it. Also, don’t forget the other benefits to whole foods.
Whole foods are also rich in dietary fiber. Fiber aids in digestion, helps control blood sugar levels, and keeps you feeling full longer as well. This can be especially beneficial for gym-goers looking to manage their weight or maintain a lean physique. In contrast, processed foods often contain additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. They’re typically high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium, which can lead to weight gain and other health issues.
Additionally, processed foods often lack essential nutrients, or the nutrients are not as bioavailable as those in whole foods, so you’re body isn’t able to use them. And on top of all of that, the sugars found in processed foods can cause a rapid spike in blood sugar, followed by a crash. This can lead to energy fluctuations that can negatively impact your performance both inside and outside of the gym. On the other hand, the complex carbohydrates in whole foods provide a steady source of energy, helping maintain endurance and intensity during workouts.
So, while processed foods might be convenient, they fall short in supporting optimal health and fitness. Whole foods, with their wealth of essential nutrients, are the superior choice for anyone looking to improve their nutrition and live a balanced and healthy lifestyle. And they are even more crucial for those looking to up their performance in the gym while pursuing those fitness goals too! So, the next time you’re reaching for a snack or planning a meal, remember – whole is better!
Need some easy whole food swaps? Check out our Instagram post for those processed food alternatives HERE
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