What happens when you eat healthy

Before answering the question, “What happens when you eat healthy?” let’s talk about what “healthy” means. Healthy food is food as close to its original form as possible. It’s rich in natural nutrients, vitamins, and minerals giving your body the materials to function at full throttle. It’s THE way to achieve a healthy weight.

Even though we know that eating healthy has a lot of obvious benefits, it’s still surprisingly hard to eat healthy. And even though some benefits of healthy eating are self-evident (like losing weight and controlling blood sugar levels), others are surprising.

For example, did you know that eating healthy can have a huge impact on your mood and even your outlook on life? It’s true! Eating healthy foods can increase “feel good” chemicals and even alleviate depression! (1)

Here’s an overview of the best healthy foods to incorporate into your life:

• • Vegetables (Mostly green and small amounts of starchy)

• • Low sugar fruits (Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, apples)

• • Whole, high-fiber grains (Oatmeal, high fiber bread like Ezekiel bread)

• • Healthy fats (Coconut oil, olive oil, avocado, and avocado oil)

• • Lean protein (Fish, nuts, chicken and turkey, lean beef, small amounts of tofu)

• Complex (slow burning) and high fiber carbs (lentils, beans)

I’ve found that what happens when you eat healthy is that you become a much better version of yourself. I have the energy to conquer the subway stairs without flinching, feel more focused and creative in my work because my brain is getting the fuel it needs, and more inspired to exercise since I’m feeling so great.

All that makes my workouts go even better and makes me proud to be setting such a great example for my kids. They see me living an active, healthy life (even though I have A LOT going on) and they know it’s possible for them too.

In fact, I believe I’m more capable of tackling all the stuff I need to in my busy life because I eat healthy and feel in pique shape most of the time. Some days are better than others, but if I stick to my good habits, it pays off big time!

In this post, I’ll talk about

• • What happens when you eat healthy to transform your body and daily habits, HUGE changes in how you sleep, your mood, your focus, and memory

• • Why cravings will become a thing of the past after you’ve been eating healthy for a bit

• • Exact foods that nourish your brain power and give you glowing, youthful skin

• • How eating healthy can actually make you feel happier and more mentally stable

• How to start eating healthy in a way that doesn’t overwhelm your body

What does eating healthy do to your body?

You won’t feel hungry (or hangry) all the time (2) as satisfying protein, healthy fat, fruits, and veggies will give you variety and help you feel full and happy. This also helps with reducing cravings for sweets and not-so-healthy foods.

What happens when you eat healthy is that your brain is nourished and more balanced. So, you’ll have better mental clarity and focus to accomplish your tasks for the day, plus a balanced and more stable mood.

Nutritional research shows (3) that the best nutrients associated with brain health include:

• • Omega-3s (salmon, flax and chia seeds)

• • Folate (asparagus, chickpeas, lentils)

• Vitamin B12 (tuna, shrimp, milk) (2)

You’ll also find that you have more energy for everyday tasks and for exercise. (2) So you break the unhealthy cycle of feeling blah and not exercising, which makes you feel even more blah. Gradually, your perspective will change and you’ll embrace exercise as a way to boost your strength and feel powerful

More side effects of switching to a healthy diet

You’ll sleep better because you won’t wake up hungry in the middle of the night and your digestion will be healthy. Reducing alcohol is also part of this because although alcohol can help make you sleepy at first, it also wakes you up in the middle of the night as your body tries to balance itself out. (2)

Bloating will reduce because you’ll lose water weight from eating less sodium in eating fewer processed foods. (4) This reduction of puffiness also applies to your face as you’ll also notice your eyes aren’t as puffy. Your digestion will be healthier, too. So your body can eliminate waste more efficiently and help flatten your belly. (2)

Younger, healthier, glowing skin will become the norm for you as the essential nutrients like collagen, healthy fats, and antioxidants help your body replenish, repair, and reduce inflammation. (5) This is just what happens when you eat healthy!

Even though eating healthy gets a bad rap for being expensive, the truth is that you’ll actually save money. Think about it. You’re not spending as much on restaurant meals and takeout, which can add up fast!

How long does it take to see results for eating healthy?

Some benefits, like feeling less bloated and more alert and focused will happen within just a few days. (4)

Long-term benefits like being in the habit of eating healthy (which means its easy and natural instead of feeling like a battle) might take 21 to 28 days.

By then, you’ll also notice a definite uptick in your metabolism, less soreness, and achiness after exercise, lower blood pressure and feeling more confident and sexy. This can lead to better sex and overall life satisfaction! (6)

Once you hit day 28, you’ll notice you have fewer cravings, that you don’t get sick as often because your immune system is stronger, and that you’re definitely feeling and looking slimmer. (3) Unseen benefits include stronger bones and reduced cancer risk. (7)

What happens when you eat healthy and start to feel sick?

When you switch from processed and packaged food, saturated fat, and sugar to healthy foods all at once, your body might have a hard time adjusting and make you feel cranky, low on energy, or even a little nauseated at first. (3)

Also, going from almost no fiber to the recommended 25 grams per day for women, can cause gas and bloating. (8)

Generally, the best thing to do is to start with gradual changes. Slowly increase the number of healthy, high fiber foods and decrease junk food. When your body adjusts, you will feel like a whole new person!

Get a Wake Me Up Debloating Smoothie Recipe in this free Coriander Cheat Sheet PDF.

What changes have you noticed on your healthy eating journey? How are you handling the sugar cravings? I’d love you hear a little about your story in the comments below!