3 Simple Tips to Help You Prioritize Your Nutrition

Here are a few Microsteps that will help you prioritize your nutrition in a sustainable way.

What we eat impacts more than just our day-to-day physical health. It affects our longevity, productivity, memory, and ability to protect ourselves from chronic disease and cognitive decline. And there’s a growing body of science on the connection between what we eat and our mental health. If you’re looking to improve your relationship with food this year, you don’t need to overhaul your entire diet in order to make effective changes. Here are a few Microsteps that will help you prioritize your nutrition in a sustainable way:

Swap one sugary beverage a day with fruit-infused or sparkling water.

Our brains are made up of 75 percent water, and even mild dehydration can rob us of our full brain power. Studies by the University of Connecticut’s Human Performance Laboratory, for example, showed that dehydration can adversely affect concentration, mood, and reasoning, and can also cause headaches and anxiety. And while it can be tempting to reach for a soda or a sweetened tea, those beverages don’t have the same hydrating effects that water does.

On a day off, prep some healthy snacks for the week. 

Slice up some brain-boosting veggies, portion out some cheese cubes and roasted nuts, or make healthy dips, curries, or sauces to leave in your fridge. This will make healthy snacks easily accessible throughout your work week. 

Pick one night a week to prep work lunches in bulk. 

When you don’t prepare lunch, you may be more prone to food choices that negatively impact your health. Planning ahead makes it easier to choose foods that fuel your body and mind.