You know there are plenty of reasons to start eating healthy but have you been putting that new diet or gym routine on hold in favor of staying up late or hitting the bars? Start eating healthy in your 20s to prevent a lifetime of health problems, chronic diseases, and complications in the future. I know it’s challenging to resist that slice of cheesecake or opt for broccoli instead of French fries, but you are doing yourself a fantastic favor. Thank yourself later when considering these seven awesome reasons to start eating healthy.
Snapshot Survey
Snapshot Survey
1. Slim Figure
One of the most common reasons to start eating healthy is the beautiful and fit figure you’ll achieve. A healthier diet is usually comprised of fewer calories. Additionally, those calories come from much more nutrient dense sources like fruits and vegetables, whole grain carbs, and lean proteins. Almost everyone knows the key to losing weight and keeping it off is a healthy diet! If you need a reason to start eating healthier, consider how much better you’ll look this bikini season.
2. Clearer Skin
Do you suffer from acne or blemished skin? Or, maybe your skin is dry with tons of flaky patches. Your skin is ultimately the number one predictor or your health. Usually poor skin texture or clarity indicates deeper issues at root. Oily skin could indicate you’re eating too much junk food, while dry skin could mean you’re not getting enough healthy fats and even certain trace minerals like sulfur and selenium. A healthy diet loaded with fruits and vegetables will give you that healthy radiance everyone longs for. Say goodbye to the Photoshop and Instagram filters. Follow a healthy diet and you’ll look great in each and every #selfie!
3. Shiny Hair
Want healthier hair? While many of us turn to shampoos, conditioners, and other conventional hair treatments for healthier hair, few realize that what we eat plays a huge role in the health of our hair. To nourish your hair from the inside out, following a healthy diet is essential. For hair that’ dry and brittle, try to increase your consumption of fruits, veggies, and healthy fats like nuts and seeds. If your hair is super oily, maybe you’re consuming too much refined sugar, saturated fat, or other junk foods. Follow a healthy diet, and it can definitely lead you to healthy hair.
4. Strong Bones
In your 20s, osteoporosis and bone health are probably the last things on your mind. But did you know that many bone breaks and fractures can be rooted back to poor nutrition in your 20s and 30s? Make sure you’re eating right by getting adequate calcium in your diet—it’s one of the leading minerals in growing bones and maintaining good bone health. Also make sure you steer clear of soda (and even diet soda)! Studies have linked soda consumption to a greater risk of osteoporosis and other bone problems. A healthy diet is a great way to get your bones in shape. You may not think much of it now, but you’ll certainly reap the benefits in the coming decades.
5. Healthy Hormone Levels
Struggle with inconsistent menstrual cycles? Or rapid changes in appetite? Your hormones could be to blame. If you’re chronically restricting calories and nutrition, your body might stop menstruating as a defense mechanism to the stress its undergoing. By contrast, if you’re chronically overeating tons of junk food or refined carbs, it might cause your insulin levels to spike. Eating a healthy diet can help mitigate and even eliminate some of the hormone-related problems. Remember that following a healthy diet isn’t just about overeating—not eating enough can be just as bad! Fix that problem today and establish good habits by eating well in your 20s.
6. A Good Night’s Sleep
Tossing at turning at night? An estimated 7 to 10 million Americans suffer from some form of sleep disorder. Sometimes an unhealthy diet loaded with too much caffeine or refined sugar can keep you up at night. As tempting as it may be to down energy drinks when pulling an all-nighter, it’s much healthier to avoid the caffeine and get to bed a reasonable hour. A healthy diet loaded with fruits, veggies, lean meats, whole grains, and plant-based fats may not cure your sleep disorder, but it can definitely rule out problems like caffeine and refined sugar that could interfere with getting a good night’s rest.
7. Better Performance at Work and School
Studies show that those who eat better tend to live longer, perform better at work/school, and in general have happier lives. Who knew that eating something as simple as a bowl of fiber-rich oatmeal for breakfast could improve your focus at work and get you a promotion? I know how it’s hard to eat healthy even when you’re on the job, but know that eating right can help manage fatigue and lead to better performance. This will surely give you even more motivation to eat healthy!
Don’t treat eating healthy like a chore—get excited about the physical, mental, and other health benefits you’ll feel after eating healthier in your 20s. What are some of your tips for eating right in your 20s?