Natural and Healthy Foods: Importance, Benefits, and Difference

Suppose you’re given two options: a juicy loaded hamburger and a simple salad. Which one would you choose? The hamburger sounds tempting, doesn’t it? However, you wouldn’t feel like doing anything after eating a burger—weariness and dullness would overwhelm you. On the contrary, eating a salad, though not as appealing as a burger, gives you a refreshing twist and enlivens you. That’s the power of natural and healthy foods, which we’ll explore more in this blog.

Though the terms natural and healthy have been making whirlwinds in the world of better living, are they the same? Not quite. An apple is a natural food, but when it’s dipped in caramel or chocolate, it’s not necessarily the healthiest choice. So, just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s healthy. 

Next time you see a label that markets food as natural and healthy, use your reasoning to understand whether it’s truly the best choice. But do not be worried; we’ll help you differentiate between both and empower you to make a smarter food choice. And if you want to enhance your gut health with natural options, The Good Bug has some amazing products worth exploring.

Prepare to fill your grocery bags as we dive into the fascinating world of natural and healthy foods!

What are natural foods?

Today, everyone’s in a race to embrace healthy living. However, people often overstep the fine line between natural and healthy. When we say natural, we usually think of lush fields, green pastures, and earthy tones—it’s refreshing and relieving, right? Natural foods should also make you feel the same for your body and not overpower it with gas, bloating, illness, or weakness.

Simply put, natural foods are those we get from nature in their purest form. Here are a few characteristics that will help you identify natural foods:

• Natural foods are derived from the natural products of plants and animals.
• They’re minimally processed, which means they do not contain artificial sugars, flavours, or preservatives.
• They’re packed with essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. 

You might be tempted to buy a carrot cake, thinking carrots are natural and good for your health. However, you do not know that they might’ve gone through various processes to become that delectable spongy cake you see on those bakery racks. So, what are some natural food options? Read on to find out!

List of natural foods and their nutritional value

Supermarkets are convenient stores where you can buy all essentials in one go. But you tend to tug along unhealthy food options, along with natural ones. How do you differentiate between natural and healthy foods? Check out the following list of natural foods and shop smart:

• Fruits: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, fruits like berries, oranges, and apples are a natural source of sweetness.
• Vegetables: From leafy greens like spinach to vibrant carrots, tomatoes, capsicums, etc., vegetables offer a diverse range of vitamins, minerals, and fiber to support overall health.
• Whole Grains: Think brown rice, quinoa, and oats! These provide sustained energy due to their complex carbohydrates and fiber content.
• Lean Proteins: Unprocessed meats like chicken breast or fish are natural protein sources, essential for building and maintaining muscle.

Natural doesn't always equal healthy, but it's a great starting point for creating a balanced and nutritious diet. Pair them with prebiotics from The Good Bug to boost your fiber intake and support gut health. Stay tuned as we explore the concept of healthy foods and how they can empower your well-being!

Understanding the fundamentals of healthy eating

Natural foods are fantastic, but a healthy diet goes beyond what nature provides in its raw form. So, what makes food natural and healthy? It all melts down to nutrients present in the food and how your body absorbs them. Healthy foods contribute to overall well-being, promote good health, and provide essential nutrients your body needs to thrive.

While natural foods can be healthy due to the presence of nutrients and lack of processing, some processed foods can also be labelled as healthy. So, how do you navigate the world of food labels and choose natural and healthy options? Here are some meal ideas to get started on your healthy diet:

• Fortified cereals: While not entirely natural, fortified cereals can be a healthy breakfast option. Look for varieties with whole grains as the first ingredient and added vitamins and minerals like iron and vitamin D.
• Low-fat yoghurt with berries: This creamy combo packs a protein and probiotic punch. The probiotics in yoghurt can aid digestion, while the berries add a burst of antioxidants and fiber. Consider adding a probiotic from The Good Bug to see great results.
• Salmon with roasted vegetables: This heart-healthy dish is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, while roasted vegetables add essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
• Lentil soup: This hearty soup is a budget-friendly, protein-packed meal. Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein and fiber, making them a filling and nutritious option.
• Whole-wheat pasta with veggie marinara: Skip the refined white pasta and opt for whole-wheat for a dose of complex carbohydrates and fiber. Pair it with a homemade marinara sauce packed with vegetables for added vitamins and antioxidants.

These are only a few examples; you can try different combinations! Explore various options within each food group, prioritising whole grains, lean protein sources, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables. Don't be afraid to get creative in the kitchen and experiment with wholesome recipes that tantalise your taste buds. 

But why should you opt for natural and healthy foods? Let’s find out their benefits.

Benefits of natural and healthy foods

Whatever diet you choose or your health goals, natural foods are one thing you cannot remove from your plates. Why? Because they offer diverse benefits, not just for your body but also for your mental health. However, remember to choose natural and healthy foods to enjoy their goodness! Here are some of the benefits of including natural foods in your diet:

• Improves digestion: The fiber in natural foods aids digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer.
• Controls weight: Natural foods contain fewer sugars and calories than processed foods, aiding weight management. Even if you have sugar cravings, the natural sweetness of fruits helps satiate them.
• Protects the heart: Eating many natural foods can reduce inflammation, which drives heart disease.
• Regulates blood sugar: If you’re diabetic, consuming natural foods will help regulate blood sugar levels.
• Boosts skin health: Natural foods help keep your skin glowing and reduce wrinkles and other age-related skin changes. 
• Supports mental health: Antioxidant-rich natural foods nourish the brain and regulate thoughts and feelings, thus reducing the risk of mood disorders.

Do you need some inspiration to start your health journey? Here are some practical tips to help you choose natural and healthy food options.

Tips to incorporate natural and healthy foods

Even if you’ve clearly understood what makes natural foods healthy, it’s natural for someone to derail their plans and jeopardise their health. Are there any tricks to follow while choosing natural and healthy foods? We’ve got you covered, as here are some practical tips to help you effortlessly incorporate these wholesome options into your daily life:

• Plan your meals ahead: A balanced meal plan is your roadmap to healthy eating. Dedicate some time each week to planning your meals and snacks. It will help you stay organised, avoid unhealthy temptations, and ensure you incorporate a variety of food groups throughout the day.
• Shop smart, eat smart: The grocery store can be a battlefield! Equip yourself with these shopping tips to navigate the aisles and choose natural and healthy options:
• Read food labels: Become a label detective! Look for foods with minimal processing, a short ingredient list, and a focus on whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats.
• Shop the perimeter: Fresh produce, lean meats, and dairy products are often located around the store's perimeter. This is a great place to start for your natural and healthy finds.
• Beware of hidden sugars: Sugar can lurk in unexpected places. Be mindful of added sugars and choose natural sweeteners like fruits or honey.
• Get creative in the kitchen: Healthy eating doesn't have to be bland! Experiment with new recipes, explore different cuisines, and find healthy ways to prepare your favourite dishes:
• Batch cooking: Save time by prepping meals in advance. Cook a large pot of lentil soup or brown rice on the weekend to have healthy options readily available throughout the week. Additionally, chopping vegetables and storing them in the fridge makes cooking easier.
• Snack smart: Skip the processed chips and cookies. Instead, opt for fresh fruit with nut butter, a handful of mixed nuts and seeds, or a dollop of Greek yoghurt with berries for a satisfying and nutritious snack.
• Spice it up: Don't underestimate the power of herbs and spices. They add flavour without extra calories, making healthy meals taste even better.
• Moderation matters: Even healthy foods must be enjoyed in moderation. That occasional slice of dark chocolate or a handful of nuts wouldn’t harm much, but be mindful of portion sizes.
• Body's needs: Consider any dietary restrictions or allergies you might have. Choose healthy options that suit your needs and preferences.

No matter how much we assure ourselves to include natural and healthy foods in our diet, some occasional slip-ups are bound to happen, right? Do not be discouraged; it’s not like change occurs over a day or night! Give yourself the time to adjust to new changes and gradually incorporate healthier options.

So, having learned the potential of natural and healthy foods, it’s time to bring them into action. Ditch the confusing food labels and mystery ingredients and embrace a vibrant world of delicious goodness! Hop on with The Good Bug as we take you on an exhilarating journey through prebiotics and probiotics. Visit our website today to unlock the secrets of your gut health! 

References

https://www.helpguide.org/articles/healthy-eating/healthy-eating.htm

https://www.bun-d.com/news-blog/advantages-of-natural-food

https://familydoctor.org/changing-your-diet-choosing-nutrient-rich-foods/

https://www.hollandandbarrett.com/the-health-hub/food-drink/nutrition/8-reasons-natural-foods-good/

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet/eight-tips-for-healthy-eating/

https://www.mysportscience.com/post/are-natural-foods-healthier

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/tips-maintaining-healthy-diet-natural-foodsq