Tips for getting the most out of the food you fuel yourself with.

Pause for a moment and think about just how important food is. If it wasn’t for food, we wouldn’t be able to move, think, or even read this article! The nutrition we get from the food we consume allows us to perform at our peak, and gives us the energy to overcome the day-to-day challenges we tackle. 

Around this time of year, the all-too-common “New Year” and “new diet” correlation starts to pop up in what feels like everywhere, but we all know that fad diets flop and aren’t sustainable. 

We’re here now to flip that correlation on its head and help bring more balance and enjoyment to the food that fuels you. Take these tips and ideas from trusted sources and use them as a stepping stone to start making the changes your body needs to feel its best. Listen to your body: it always knows best. 

Nourishing nutrition tips 🥑

🥬 Eat the rainbow. Whenever possible, try to eat a wide range of colors to get all of the nutrients your body needs. Whether it’s green, purple, orange, or beyond, every color packs a different micronutrient punch. As the Harvard Medical School puts it, “Each color provides various health benefits and no one color is superior to another, which is why a balance of all colors is most important.” Learn more about the different color benefits here. 

🍅 Snack deliciously and nutritiously. Whenever you need a pick-me-up between meals, or if you’re on a time crunch, make the most out of your snacks. The combination of fats, carbs, and protein is the power-trio that will keep you energized. In a recent Instagram post, MealPrepPro (@mealprepproapp) suggests apples with peanut butter, mandarins and cashews, or grapes and dark chocolate.

🥕 Keep your nutrition and health goals practical. This can be the trickiest part of all. Finding a healthy routine that works for your body and mind takes time. Setting S.M.A.R.T., or Specific, Measurable, Action-Oriented, Realistic, and Time-Framed goals, can bring the structure you need to your nutrition. This article by UnlockFood gives some good starting ideas.

🌽 Call on all food groups. You’ve probably heard the 40/30/30 “rule” before. It’s a guideline for balancing your meals with 40% carbohydrates, 30% proteins, and 30% fats. There’s no need to exactly calculate these specifics if you don’t want to, but it’s a good way to think about your meals and ensure you’re getting what you need. The NIA & NIH delves deeper and breaks down these groups of macronutrients here. 

In the end, you know yourself better than anyone. No matter what you decide to cook or enjoy, just always be sure to listen to your body. Restricting or limiting certain foods is not a marker of health––it’s all about finding the balance that works best for you.

With a Gympass subscription, you’ll get access to different nutrition-focused apps to help you meal-prep, eat healthier, and learn more about food. 

For more nutrition tips and meal ideas, check out our partner apps! From workouts to therapy, meditation, and everything in between, a Gympass membership can help you start small in the biggest of ways. Sign up today and start moving your mind, body, and mood.