Although the average North American diet is improving, the truth of how we eat is that we continue to prioritize convenience over health. Nutrition is well recognized as the building block to how we feel and look.
More sugar, saturated fats, and sodium are a bad thing, and unbalanced, unhealthy diets can easily sabotage the benefits of a sauna. Here are some disturbing facts about how we eat and why using a sauna doesn’t always lead to benefit for some.
75 percent of us do not eat a single piece of fruit in a day. Although fruits contain sugar, they are a natural source of this and are also oftentimes packed with other nutrients that make consumption an important part of a well-balanced diet.
90 percent of us do not meet the minimum recommended daily intake of vegetables. Almost all balanced, healthy diets are built around eating vegetables. They’re filled with nutrition that is good for every system in the body and should be a necessity on any diet. The more veggies, the better.
Calorie-wise, we eat three times as much grain products as we do fruits and vegetables within a day. According to a recent study conducted by the National Cancer Institute, an average eater will take in 610 calories of grain products daily compared to only 206 calories of fruits and vegetables.
Added sugars are any item we buy where sugar has been added. Unfortunately, the more sugar we consume, the more likely we are to eventually end up on the pathway towards diabetes. Added sugars are found in grains, snacks and sweets, and beverages such as sodas.
Saturated fats are a massive, massive problem when it comes to cardiovascular disease and obesity. They can also lead to heart disease, which evidently are very serious consequences. Saturated fats are found in burgers, tacos, pizzas, snacks and sweets, red meat-based protein sources, and in other foods.
Sodium is added salt and as many North Americans can attest, too much sodium leads to high blood cholesterol. Sodium is found in burgers, tacos, pizzas, some veggies, and processed protein sources like cold cuts.
As tough as it can be, you can straighten out your diet in time by making small changes. The saying ‘You are what you eat!’ is true. If you’re going into a sauna for skin benefits or cardiovascular help, you’ve got to combine it with proper nutrition to succeed.
When possible, eat more fruits and veggies, and make organic choices in eating clean. In your grocery store, shop only the freshest food you can find rather than processed foods which are either flooded with toxins or have only a part of the nutrition value they would have if fresh. Remember, the most nutritious food there is is plant-based. If you’re serious about using a sauna to fight disease, this is the way to do it. Lastly, use healthy oils when cooking. The World Health Organization (WHO) prefers unsaturated fats like olive oil or coconut oil.
By making small modifications over time, we re-train our taste buds to enjoy the diet they’re accustomed to. Take it small and you’ll be shocked by the changes. To learn more about the impact a sauna can have on your health and wellness, visit Steam Sauna.