As awareness around UPFs and saturated fats grows, more of us than ever are choosing to lean into healthy diets that see us cooking from scratch more often, and more readily incorporating fruits, pulses, and leafy greens into our diets.
The benefits of doing so speak for themselves, but did you know that you may also experience some less beneficial body effects when you start making healthy switches? While these things shouldn’t stop you from continuing, they could end up doing precisely that if you’re not prepared or aren’t aware of how to negate these issues. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the less flattering sides of healthy eating, and the solutions that could see you through.
# 1 – The Fact of Fibre Overwhelm
Introducing more fibre-rich foods like legumes and seeds into your diet is great. Not only can fibre help with your gut microbiome, but it should also ensure you avoid unpleasant digestive issues like constipation. Unfortunately, if your body isn’t used to high amounts of fibre, a sudden overload could actually end up doing the opposite.
Many people report digestive distress alongside healthy eating. Issues like bloating and gas are especially common as is, ironically, the constipation you’re trying to avoid. Experts generally recommend introducing fibre slowly, as this ensures a more gradual change to your gut flora.. It’s also vital to ensure that you’re hydrating well whenever you’re consuming fibre, as this is the thing that helps keep everything moving and healthy as you want it.
# 2 – The Truth About Fruit and Your Teeth
There are countless benefits to eating more fruit, not least the fact that most fruits are packed full of the vitamins we need to live healthier lives. Many fruits are also high in fibre, potassium, and antioxidants that can help with blood pressure to keep risks like stroke and heart attack at bay. But there’s also a dark side to increasing your fruit intake, and it comes in the form of your teeth.
Unfortunately, the high sugar and acid content of many fruits can harm your teeth by eroding enamel. Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and grapefruit are particularly bad for this, and could leave you needing to visit a dentist if you aren’t careful. Luckily, you can offset the worst effects by rinsing your mouth immediately after eating fruit and waiting at least 30 minutes to brush your teeth.
# 3 – The Risk of Unexpected Weight Gain
Many people mistakenly assume that they can indulge more heavily in ‘healthy’ fats like olive oil, avocado, and nuts and seeds. These foods are certainly better for you than processed trans fats, and can even bring health benefits of their own. But remember that even good fats can lead to weight gain without portion control.
With these calorific healthy foods, it’s always worth considering moderation and ensuring that you eat these foods alongside other healthy switches, rather than as your main source of food.
Healthy eating can heal your body and your mind, but beware of these unexpected health surprises!
