The Physical Wellness Dimension
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Food Routines PH
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In his best-selling book Eat Move Sleep, author Tom Rath reminds us to focus on healthy foods that are good for our short-term energy and serve our long-term health.9 Additionally, take care to avoid highly processed foods as much as possible. These types of foods include foods like potato chips, cookies, and cereal. It can be easier and more convenient to reach for food in a package, but the adverse health effects of highly processed foods include increased cancer risk; far too much sugar, sodium, and fat; little nutritional value; overindulgence; and artificial ingredients.10 Instead, aim to keep your food ingredients simple, shop the outside aisles of your grocery store (where the freshest ingredients are),
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When it comes to food, we invite you to consider what you eat and drink and how your choices make you feel. The quality of what we eat is far more important than the quantity. Identify the healthiest elements of the foods you like to eat and build them into your lifestyle for the long term. In general, according to a 2020 article in Medical News Today, “A healthful diet typically includes nutrient-dense foods from all major food groups, including lean proteins, whole grains, healthful fats, and fruits and vegetables of many colors.”8
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Additionally, good nutrition can reduce the risk of some diseases, lower blood pressure and cholesterol, improve well-being, boost the immune system, and increase energy levels.7
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Add an array of colors to your plate and think of it as eating the rainbow. Dark, leafy greens, oranges, and tomatoes— even fresh herbs—are loaded with vitamins, fiber, and minerals. Adding frozen peppers, broccoli, or onions to stews and omelets give them a quick and convenient boost of color and nutrients.6
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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a healthy eating plan includes a variety of healthy foods. They recommend that you:
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Eating well is fundamental to our good health and overall well-being. In this guidebook, we do not advocate for a certain way of eating or a specific diet. Instead, our aim is to help you reflect on your current food choices and how the decisions about what you eat or drink make you feel as you strive for overall good nutrition and how they make you feel as you strive to move more and sleep better.
