Certified Holistic Nutritionist Jacie Bretherick breaks down her best tips to live a more nutritious life. With March being National Nutrition Month, there are many easy choices you can make to live a more sustainable and healthy life.
“Embracing a nutritious life goes beyond the act of eating well; it’s about making informed choices that respect our bodies, the environment, and the communities that nourish us. By choosing sustainably produced foods like mushrooms, we not only enhance our health but also contribute to a healthier planet and support ethical farming practices” – Jacie
Living a nutritious life is about more than just the healthy choices on our plate, it’s also about understanding where our food comes from. It’s a holistic journey that begins with the origins of our meals, understanding that the path from farm to fork profoundly influences our health, community, and the planet. Comprehending the journey of our food—from the farm or greenhouse, through the maze of processing and transportation, until it finally arrives at our local stores—sheds light on the numerous factors that influence its nutritional value and environmental footprint.
ADOPT A MINDFUL APPROACH
Adopting a mindful approach to grocery shopping empowers us to make choices that are not only good for our health but also beneficial for the environment and local economies. This means being thoughtful about the products we select by first considering their origins, the practices behind their production, and their journey to our shopping carts. For instance, consider whether that produce was flown in from overseas, and harvested weeks or sometimes months before reaching its full nutritional potential and peak flavor. Or, is it ‘in season’ and supplied by a local farmer who takes pride in cultivating high-quality produce like Highline Mushrooms? Choosing the latter not only supports our health but also contributes to the sustainability of local communities and economies. By shopping mindfully next time you are at the market, you can contribute positively to all of these factors.
HOW HIGHLINE MUSHROOMS CAN HELP YOU LIVE A MORE NUTRITIOUS LIFE
Mushrooms are one of the most sustainably produced foods, combining a unique blend of recycling, science, and efficiency. Highline Mushrooms, prioritizes ethical and renewable growing practices, maintaining its position as a leader in sustainable mushroom farming. Being the world’s largest producer of fresh organic mushrooms, Highline Mushrooms provides the population with nutritious mushrooms with a dedication to natural nourishment. Mushrooms are nutritional gems and are abundant in both micro and essential nutrients necessary for proper bodily functions. Have you ever considered the immune-boosting power of mushrooms? Thanks to their high content of beta-glucans, they have been shown to help boost the immune system making the body more efficient at fighting off infections and staying healthy.
Beyond immunity, mushrooms are also particularly good for brain health. They are high in antioxidants that shield the brain from oxidative stress, slowing cognitive decline. In fact, studies have demonstrated that consuming mushrooms a few times a week can reduce your risk of Alzheimers-like symptoms by up to 50% in older individuals. Their wide array of bioactive compounds also makes them potent anti-inflammatories. Mushrooms aren’t just delicious, they stand out as one of the most beneficial additions to a healthy diet.
Beyond their nutritional and medicinal value, mushrooms are highly prized in cuisines around the world for their unique flavors and textures. Their impressive versatility allows them to adapt to various dishes, offering distinct tastes depending on how they’re incorporated. This adaptability makes mushrooms an effortless addition to a healthy diet, contributing to a feeling of fullness and supporting mindful eating habits.
BE AWARE OF WHAT YOU ARE CONSUMING
Being aware of what we eat and how we feel when nourishing our bodies is key to living a nutritious life. When we feel good and have good energy levels we are inclined to be more active in our day-to-day lives. Once you start building healthy habits like mindful eating, daily physical activity, and proper rest, you set the foundation for a balanced and vibrant lifestyle. This holistic approach to health not only enhances physical well-being but also improves mental and emotional health, leading to a more fulfilled and energetic life. Incorporating mushrooms into your diet is a simple yet effective step towards achieving this balance, offering a delicious way to enrich your meals and your health.
Embracing a nutritious life goes beyond the act of eating well; it’s about making informed choices that respect our bodies, the environment, and the communities that nourish us. By choosing sustainably produced foods like mushrooms, we not only enhance our own health but also contribute to a healthier planet and support ethical farming practices. Let’s make conscious decisions about our food, considering its origins and effects on our health and environment. By prioritizing these mindful choices, we embrace a future where sustainability, wellness, and deliciousness go hand in hand, paving the way for a brighter, healthier world for us all.
JACIE BRETHERICK, Certified Holistic Nutritionist
Jacie Bretherick is a certified holistic nutritionist and precision nutrition expert. She is also a wellness chef who creates nutritious and delicious food.
Mushrooms have joined the list of the top 10 superfoods of 2024 voted on by over 564 registered dietitians and nutritionists. Click here to read the full story.