Good nutrition is crucial for overall health and wellness. What you eat (or don’t eat) can affect your weight, energy levels, mood, and overall sense of well-being. That’s why it’s necessary to be mindful of the foods you’re putting into your body. Many people don’t realize that even certain habits can make or break your nutritional intake.
The things you do, even if it is not food-related, can have the capacity to impact your nutrition. This is why you should also watch out for habits that may be unknowingly sabotaging your diet. Here are five of the most common practices that you may not know are already hurting your nutrition.
1. Staying Up Late
If you’re up late working or watching TV, you’re not doing your health any favors. When you stay up late, you’re more likely to make poor food choices and indulge in unhealthy snacks. You’re also more likely to miss out on essential nutrients your body needs.
Late nights can lead to poor sleep habits, which can in turn, lead to weight gain, fatigue, low energy levels, and mood swings. So, do yourself a favor and sleep early at night—you’ll feel better for it in the morning. Know that there are ways you can avoid being a night owl, though this could mean having to make sacrifices in other areas of your life.
2. Stressful Eating
People often tend to eat more when their stress levels are high. This is because the body releases a hormone called cortisol under stress, which can lead to cravings for high-fat and sugary foods. And if you indulge in these comfort foods too often, it can lead to weight gain.
Worse, when stressed, your body is more likely to store fat. So, if you’re looking to maintain a healthy weight, finding other ways to cope with stress is crucial. Some good options include exercise, relaxation techniques, and talking to a friend or loved one.
And if you find that your health is now suffering due to your stress eating, it would be best to talk to a professional specializing in nutrition or counseling. They can help you identify and understand your triggers and give you the tools you need to better cope with stress.
3. Living a Sedentary Lifestyle
You’re more likely to be overweight or obese if you’re not active. This puts you at risk for many health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. But just because you have a thin body and live a sedentary lifestyle already means there is nothing to worry about.
A sedentary lifestyle can also lead to muscle loss and decreased bone density and strength. This can make you more susceptible to injuries and lead to joint pain. So, even if you’re not looking to lose weight, getting up and moving around regularly is still important.
Experts recommend that average adults get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise daily. But if you can’t find the time, there are other ways to be more active throughout the day. You can take the stairs instead of the elevator, walk or bike to work or park further away from your destination. Any little bit helps!
4. Not Minding Your Teeth
You may not think your oral health has anything to do with your nutrition, but it actually does. This is because the mouth is the gateway to the digestive system. If you have poor oral hygiene, it can lead to bacteria and inflammation in the gut.
This can impact your ability to absorb nutrients from food and lead to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and vomiting. So, brush and floss your teeth regularly, and see your dentist for regular checkups.
Don’t forget to address missing teeth at the soonest time possible. Having gaps in your smile makes it difficult to chew on your food thoroughly, making you more prone to gum disease. You can talk to your dentist and see if you are a candidate for a dental implant procedure to finally achieve natural-looking teeth that function just like your natural teeth.
If you qualify for this teeth replacement option, look for a reliable dentist to do the procedure for you. Find one with years of experience, has lots of good reviews, and offers competitive dental implant prices. Investing in your teeth makes it easier to enjoy your favorite food, improve your nutrition, and boost your overall health.
5. Drinking Too Much Alcohol
While drinking in moderation has some health benefits, overdoing it can have the opposite effect. This is because alcohol is full of empty calories and can quickly lead to weight gain. Alcohol can also dehydrate you, impacting your body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food.
When you drink alcohol on a daily basis, it can also lead to liver damage, which can make it difficult for your body to detoxify and process nutrients. In extreme cases, it can even lead to death.
So, if you want to protect your health, limit your alcohol intake. Experts recommend that men consume no more than two alcoholic drinks per day and women consume only one. And if you’re trying to lose weight or improve your nutrition, it’s best to avoid alcohol altogether.
Usually, the habits you developed over the years are why your nutrition suffers nowadays. The earlier you start correcting these habits, the better it is for your health in the long run. Take better care of yourself by improving your nutrition. You can do this by saying goodbye to habits that hurt your nutrition.
