Many of us feel trapped by our genes, unable to avoid things like obesity, diabetes, or heart problems. But a genetic predisposition doesn’t have to be a life sentence; the food you give your body can make all the difference.
Our bodies view food as information. Macronutrients, micronutrients, and amino acids play a dominant role in the regulation of body processes. And amino acids, vitamins, and minerals can alter gene expression, which means that even if your mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother all had diabetes, your food choices might allow you to avoid getting diabetes.
It’s all a question of nutrition. Overly processed foods lack key nutrients and also decrease insulin sensitivity, which is a significant factor in weight gain and diseases such as diabetes. If you’re seeking freedom from an unhealthy heritage, the answer lies in eating the high-quality ingredients your body needs to trigger weight loss and the maintenance of a healthy body.
You might think avoiding processed foods will make your life harder or increase your meal prep time, but it doesn’t have to! Here are three ingredients you should be including in your healthy meal plan:
1. Grass-Fed Proteins
Protein is vital for immune function and detoxification. Our world is growing more and more polluted, and it’s impossible to avoid all of the toxins we interact with each day. Herbicides, pesticides, cleaning chemicals, cosmetic products, and polluted air are just some of the things we have to deal with. That’s why it’s vital to give your body the nutrients it needs to detoxify naturally.
Protein also helps increase muscle mass, even in people who don’t exercise. An increase in muscle mass causes an increase in the number of calories you burn, even when at rest, which also aids weight loss. Additionally, proteins raised on a natural grass diet are extremely high in valuable nutrients such as omega-3, CLA, and trace minerals, all known for their ability to support insulin sensitivity and reduce fat in the body.
2. Cruciferous Vegetables
We’ve all heard that broccoli is good for us, and it’s true! The cruciferous vegetable category includes broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage, bok choy, and kale. Eating at least three servings of these veggies every day produces a noticeable improvement in gut health within days. The high fiber content of these vegetables assists with digestive health, and fiber has been shown to contribute to a longer, healthier life.
Cruciferous vegetables reduce inflammation in the body and help stabilize blood sugar, which is a key factor in fat loss, chronic diseases, and cardiovascular issues. They also improve estrogen detoxification, which lowers the likelihood of several cancers.
3. Healthy Fats
Though eating fat to lose weight may seem counterintuitive, there are actually a number of good fats that help our bodies. Fats that come from nuts, seeds, olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, fish oil, and full-fat dairy from grass-fed cows are very healthy. They can help lower inflammation, improve insulin sensitivity, boost energy, improve joint health, and positively affect blood markers that indicate the presence of cardiovascular disease.
It’s easy to add these ingredients to your diet, but the key is consistency. When you incorporate these foods into your regular diet and consistently avoid less healthy options like processed foods, sugar, large amounts of grain, and gluten, you’re going to see a number of improvements to your overall health. Many people consistently lose 2-5 pounds per week until reaching a healthy weight. We have seen type 2 diabetes reversed, hormones balanced, and symptoms related to autoimmune issues such as Crohn’s disease and multiple sclerosis reduced.
Far from being a temporary fix, incorporating high-quality ingredients will continuously provide long-term improvements in many areas of your life, creating a healthier you who can take more time to enjoy life.
A healthy routine doesn’t have to be time-consuming. Incorporate high-quality ingredients into your daily meals, and you’ll see results in your health and energy levels almost immediately. When you feel better, you live better: It’s that simple.