What happens in your body...when you eat healthier
Plus, how to choose foods that can help you reach your health goals.
Click here to access this week's weekly topic
There are tons of reasons why we eat what we do. We might grab a warm chocolate chip cookie because we’re happy, homesick, or maybe just because it smells really good. We might grab strawberries because they’re right at the front of the fridge or easy to snack on. And while we eat for so many different reasons, thinking about how it will benefit our bodies is another. When we choose foods based on what we want them to do for us, we can pick healthier and more nutritious options more often.
3 fast facts
Eating less saturated fat lowers the amount of total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol in our blood. This lowers the risk for health issues, including heart attacks and strokes.
Protein helps us feel satisfied during—and after—meals. It also helps protect our lean body mass (think muscles and bones), while we’re losing weight.
Fibre helps reduce the natural rise in blood sugar that happens after you eat, and lowers cholesterol levels in your blood. Fibre also takes time to digest, which helps you feel full!
Try this technique
Pinpoint the health benefits you’re looking to focus on. Then, choose foods that can help you meet those goals. (Bonus: myWW™ is already built with this in mind!)
I want to focus on...
Pick foods...
Heart health
Low in saturated fat
Lean chicken or turkey breast, fish, nuts
Feeling fuller
High in fibre
Fruits, vegetables, legumes
Maintaining lean muscle
High in protein
Eggs, beans, nonfat plain Greek yogurt
Lowering cholesterol
High in soluble fibre
Oatmeal, beans, peas, lentils
Staying hydrated
High in water content
Skim milk, cantaloupe, strawberries, watermelon, lettuce, cabbage, celery, spinach, pickles, cooked squash
Supporting bone health
Rich in calcium and vitamin D
Dairy, nuts, leafy greens, oily fish, fortified cereals
Reducing the risk of developing cancer
That come from plants
Whole grains, veggies, fruit, beans, lentils
Come back next week for part four of our NEW six-part “What happens in your body...” series!
Missed part one? Catch up here.
Missed part two? Catch up here.