When you choose to stop (or reduce) drinking, you’re choosing great things for your health. Maybe not immediately but, over time, you should start to feel ‘better’ in so many ways. But instead of simply waiting for things to happen, why not take action and maximise on how good you can feel? And such a brilliant way to do this is to nourish your body and mind with the foods that you eat. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Focus on eating wholefoods - foods that are in their most natural, unprocessed state – and you should start to see wonderful changes; improved digestion, higher energy levels, better mental clarity and even a strengthened immune system, to name just a few. Wholefoods and Their Impact on Health As wholefoods have undergone minimal processing, they retain as much of their natural goodness (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre etc) as possible. Processed foods, on the other hand, may contain added sugars, artificial preservatives, and other additives that can often be detrimental to your health, as well as containing empty calories you really could do without. Fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, lean proteins, and healthy fats are all classed as wholefoods and there are multiple ways you can incorporate them into your ‘diet’. Top Tips for Incorporating More Whole Foods 1. Replace processed snacks with fresh fruits or veg sticks and hummus. Swap refined grains for wholegrains, and experiment with adding more vegetables to your favourite dishes. 2. Add in more plant-based foods, such as legumes, nuts, and seeds. These are crucial for a healthy gut and, in turn, for a healthy body and mind. 3. Every different colour of fruit and veg will contain different compounds and nutrients that our bodies need, so always aim to eat the rainbow.
4. Plan your meals ahead and maybe even batch cook so you have nutritious meals to turn to, especially on those busy days. Why not add some of these in, as you take the booze out… Leafy Greens: Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, leafy greens like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are an easy and effective way to support the liver. Berries: like blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries provide a boost of natural sugars that can help fight off cravings for junk and are rich in vitamins and minerals. Fatty Fish: Salmon, mackerel, and herring are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which play a crucial role in brain health and mood regulation. Nuts and Seeds: Almonds, walnuts, chia seeds, and flaxseeds provide essential nutrients, healthy fats, and fibre, promoting heart health and satiety. Quinoa: A versatile wholegrain, quinoa is a rich source of protein and fibre that gives a slow release of sugars, keeping your blood sugars steady and helps to prevent mood swings. Probiotic-Rich Foods: Fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are brilliant for improved gut health and digestion. It’s not always easy to remove the booze but nourishing your body with delicious wholefoods can really help you to feel your best along the way! If you want to learn more about why eating a variety of plant-based wholefoods can positively impact your health.
