There is a lack of awareness and knowledge about the connection between nutrition and exercise in our country. Most people tend to adopt a singular approach as they either follow a diet or exercise. For better health and weight management, the most effective is a combination of the two. A diet that has been personalised to fit the needs of the individual is extremely significant as each individual has unique nutritional requirements and these must be met to improve their health while reducing the weight (if that is the concern).
People are restarting their exercise programmes in full swing, thus, good nutrition is especially crucial as their body will undergo stress and pressure. Supplying your body with essential nutrients before and after your workout and in the recovery period between exercises impacts your fitness goals.
Gyms and fitness studios will be opening soon. Therefore, people should not overlook maintaining a strong immune system which is correlated to the intake of proper nutrition. Diet plays a pivotal role in building your immunity which is more important than ever during these pandemic times.
The following are the benefits of good nutrition:
Disease prevention and management
A poor diet and sedentary lifestyle have been linked with several diseases including diabetes, heart disease and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Good nutrition can not only keep these diseases at bay but also help you manage these health conditions to improve your quality of life.
Weight management
Nutrition and weight are intimately connected. Good nutrition along with an active lifestyle can help in effective weight management.
Stress levels and mental health
Nutrition, stress and mental health are intertwined. A diet rich in junk food, high in sugar and low in micronutrients can aggravate stress levels and impact mental health negatively. Interestingly, a whole-food-based nutritious diet can be effective to a certain level in reducing stress. Certain foods such as dark chocolate, nuts and seeds have been proven to boost mood!
Sleep quality
Nutrition and sleep are also related. Eating large quantities of sugar, consuming a heavy meal before bed or having a caffeinated beverage close to sleeping time can impact sleep quality to a large extent. Certain foods such as almonds, walnuts and pistachios can improve sleep quality as they contain melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
Energy levels
Poor nutrition results in poor energy levels. Nutritional deficiencies can be a responsible factor in low energy levels. A diet rich in micronutrients can keep these deficiencies at bay and considerably improve energy levels.
The writer is the founder of Ira Healthcare.