Red Flags of a Poor Diet
By Donna Stark
There have been times in my life when, for the life of me, I couldn't see what was right in front of my very own face. Circumstances that left me completely bewildered on how I didn't see all of the red flags that those around me saw. And, as is so often the case, the longer those red flags continued, the worse the situation became. There are so many moments in our lives that follow storylines like that, aren't there? But thank goodness we have friends, family, teachers, and doctors that keep us in check. They gently tell us when we are being taken advantage of, they notice our mistakes and take action to help, and they remind us that our bad habits are destroying our good health. If you haven't been feeling up to par lately, it may be wise to stop and critically look for any red flags, especially those found in your diet.
The Red Flags in Your Diet
Even though most people know that food choice impacts a lot more than just a person's weight, many still choose to ignore the red flags in their diet and continue to make poor decisions when it comes time to eat. So how do you know when your diet is cause for concern? Take a look at a few of the warning signs that relate to the act of consuming a poor diet.
- Tiredness/fatigue - Do you get plenty of sleep but still wake up feeling as tired as you were when you went to bed? Your diet could be causing this. Diets that are high in sugar can significantly impact your energy levels and cause you to feel extremely sluggish, so instead of trying to jump-start your energy with sugary treats or drinks, opt for foods that release energy slowly, like bananas and peanut butter.
- Mood swings - Do you feel like you are on a rollercoaster of moods? Sometimes up, sometimes down, sometimes happy, and other times so angry that you want the ride to stop immediately? There are several things with your health that can cause this, but if you are lacking nutritious foods, your diet may be the source. Want a couple of tips? Don't skip meals, don't cut out entire food groups, and don't eat too many refined carbohydrates.
- Hunger - If you are filling your body with nutritionally-depleted foods, chances are you will continue to be hungry after your meals. It's critical to your overall health and wellness that you consume foods rich in nutrients so that you are completely satisfied and feel a sense of fullness for longer periods of time.
Putting Those Red Flags Away
Choosing healthier food options will make a positive impact on your life and learning how to notice the red flags in your diet is the first step to improving your health and overall well-being. So start now and eat more healthily!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in San Marcos, Calif.