Why You Should Care About What You Eat.

How small changes today can lead to brighter tomorrows ahead

To kick off Something Better., let’s address a question that may seem straightforward but is actually quite complex: Why should you care about what you eat? While this might appear obvious, many of us don’t stop to truly consider its significance on a daily basis.

Eating healthier isn’t about looking skinnier or having a flat tummy— you have to get out of this mindset. In reality, it’s about investing in your future and extending the quality of your life.

According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2017, dietary risk factors were responsible for approximately 11 million deaths and 255 million disability-adjusted life years between 1990 and 2017. These risk factors include high sodium intake, low consumption of whole grains, and low intake of whole fruits and vegetables, underscoring the profound effect that dietary habits can have on overall health and lifespan.

Simply put, making small (but mighty) mindful food choices today can have a lasting impact on your health for years to come. It’s the foundation for warding off chronic diseases, mental health issues, and immune system failures.

It’s all about the money.

If improving your diet for your body and mind’s sake isn’t enough of a motivator, consider this: the small steps you can take towards healthier eating now can lead to significant savings on future medical expenses. Research from the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 2020 found that individuals who improved the quality of their diet could see an average reduction of $1,200 to $2,000 per year in healthcare expenses due to decreased need for medical treatment and medication related to diet-related chronic diseases. Moreover, if everyone adopted healthier eating habits, we could potentially reduce healthcare costs by up to $100 billion annually in the United States, as highlighted in a study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology.

It might be challenging to think that far ahead, but by filling your body with nutrient-dense, purposeful food now, you’ll be grateful to your younger self—and so will your bank account.

Small Steps to Big Changes.

Improving your diet should start with small, manageable changes that pave the way for long-term success. Here is a snapshot of how you can begin making healthier choices today:

1. Opt for Volume Eating: As someone who loves to eat, snack, and munch, one thing that always seems to help me eat healthier while feeling satisfied is eating larger volumes of lighter, lower-calorie foods. Rather than reaching for calorie-dense options like cheese or chocolate when in the mood to snack, try eating less-caloric foods like popcorn or baby carrots. This approach allows you to enjoy a greater quantity of food without overloading on calories, sugar, and so

2. Hydrate Smartly: Believe it or not, most of the time you find yourself aimlessly looking into your pantry for a snack but can’t seem to find anything, you are dehydrated. The next time you find yourself doing this, drink a glass of water and I guarantee you this will help.

3. Increase your Veggie Intake: If you’ve ever eaten a meal with me, you know that I always HAVE to have a veggie on the table. Whether it's a side salad, steamed greens, or veggies in your pasta sauce, incorporating vegetables in your meals will boost your nutrient and fiber intake without drastically changing your routine.

Integrating these small, yet impactful steps into your everyday routine will help you move toward a healthier, more vibrant future. Keep in mind that investing in your health today yields rewards for tomorrow, both for your well-being and your wallet. Embrace these changes, and remember: every small effort you take now is a step toward Something Better.