Mental Health – The Importance of Nutrition

Research shows that what we eat does not only affect our physical health, but also impacts our mental health. Healthy eating (or eating well) may be associated with feelings of well being. This is because, like other organs of the body, the brain also requires a range of nutrients to function properly.

So naturally, we felt it was a great topic to discuss as part of our mental health initiative as nutrition is usually overlooked in this aspect. Helping shed light on the subject is expert contributor Ilse Carine Onderweegs, Functional Nutritionist and Integrative Health Coach.

Contributed by expert contributor Ilse Carine Onderweegs (ICO)

How often have you said: “I will start my detox next week, or I will start to diet on Monday or after the holidays.” Perhaps you said; “tomorrow I will eat better, or tomorrow I will start taking care of my health”.

Many people say they are too busy to eat healthy, or to prepare meals. How did it happen that our lives have become so busy that we don’t have time for our health? Guess what?

Our health doesn’t wait for tomorrow, it doesn’t wait for you to be ready. Health is always ready. Our health should be the single most important thing in our lives. Not our work, or other excuses. Stop making excuses. Why do you push your health down the list of priorities? We have only 1 body to live in, live it well. Respect your body, your health and make it a priority.

Disease creeps in when we don’t have time for health. Many health issues or diseases can be prevented by making basic lifestyle changes. But I have seen too many people not willing to work on their health but rather take the easy root to take a pharmaceutical. But this is only a band-aid on the problem and a temporary solution. It suppresses your symptoms & will lead to more health problems later down the line.

We need to learn to go back to basics when it comes to our health. Firstly, you have to make your health a daily priority. Stop making excuses, and yes its not easy! It takes work every single day. It takes planning, patience & perseverance.

So where do you start?

• Appoint a Nutritionist or Health Coach that specializes in your health issue, for help, support, guidance and health education.
• Get some basic tests done. The Nutritionist or Health Coach can guide you on which ones are best.
• De-clutter your life, your home and even your relationships.
• Drink more water. Not tap or bottled water but filtered water.
• Get enough sleep, but do make sure its good quality sleep. Otherwise address the issues with your support team.
• Get moving. Try to exercise every day for 30 minutes, even a brisk walk is good. Join an exercise group for the accountability.
• Remove all sugar & processed foods from your diet.
• Plan your meals. Cook at home, from scratch.
• Eat real whole some foods, made with basic ingredients.
• Make time to sit down and eat. Chew your food well.
• Stop drinking caffeine & alcoholic drinks. Include herbal teas.
• Make time to laugh.  Treasure meaningful relationships.

 

Stop making excuses for not taking care of your health. Making time for your health is the first step you have to take in creating better a better body & life.

About ICO:

ICO healthy living stands for Ilse Carine Onderweegs living healthy. She has always been passionate about living healthy and being fit. And that grew even more when she had her two boys.

Over the years of training patients and clients her focus has become more on women’s health, pre-&post natal training & children’s training. She also realized how important it is what you put into your mouth.

In recent years Ilse has studied further to become a Functional Nutritionist and Integrative Health Coach, with a focus on women and children’s health, especially Autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Vitiligo, etc.

Find out more about ICO Healthy Living and follow them on Instagram!

 

You might also like: 15 Places For Fantastic Animal Fun in the UAE!