In our society, we are constantly bombarded with messages about the importance of eating healthy and being active.
And while there’s nothing wrong with that, sometimes we can be so focused on what we should be eating that we forget to think about what we shouldn’t be eating.
Namely, too much food.
Believe it or not, there are actually some pretty significant benefits to eating less food – even if you’re not trying to lose weight.
Here are a few of them.
1. Improved digestion
When you eat less food, your digestive system doesn’t have to work as hard.
This can lead to improved overall digestive function and less bloating/discomfort after meals.
2. More energy
Believe it or not, when you cut back on the amount of food you eat, you may find that you have more energy throughout the day.
That’s because your body doesn’t have to work as hard to digest a large meal, leaving more energy for other things.
3. Better sleep
Eating a big meal can actually make it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.
So if you’re struggling with insomnia, one thing you might want to try is eating smaller meals earlier in the day and avoiding big meals right before bedtime.
4. Fewer cravings
When you eat less food overall, you may find that you also have fewer cravings for unhealthy foods like sweets and greasy foods.
That’s because eating too much of these types of foods can actually increase your body’s need for them – leading to a never-ending cycle of cravings and overeating.
But by breaking this cycle and eating less overall, you may find those cravings start to diminish.
5. Improved blood sugar control
Eating less food, particularly sugary and processed foods, can lead to better blood sugar control and potentially even a reduction in the need for diabetes medication.
6. Lower cholesterol levels
Too much eating of fatty food can raise your cholesterol levels, putting you at risk for heart disease and stroke.
But by cutting back on the amount of food you eat overall, you may see improvements in your cholesterol levels.
7. Reduced risk of cancer
Being overweight or obese has been linked to an increased risk for several types of cancer, including breast, colon, and endometrial cancers.
But by eating less food and maintaining a healthy weight, you can reduce this risk.
8. Improved mood
Eating too much food can actually make you feel sluggish and tired, leading to a dip in mood.
But when you eat less and maintain a healthy weight, your energy levels and mood may improve.
9. Improved hormone balance
Eating too much – particularly sugary and processed foods – can throw off your body’s natural hormone balance, potentially leading to issues like infertility or PCOS.
By cutting back on the amount of food you eat overall, you can help bring those hormones back into balance.
10. Longevity
Maintaining a healthy weight and eating less overall has been linked to living a longer life.
So not only will you feel better day-to-day, but you’ll also have the potential to live a longer, happier life.
Conclusion
While it’s important to focus on eating a balanced and nutritious diet, don’t forget about the benefits of eating less food overall.
Cutting back on portion sizes and being mindful of how much you’re consuming can lead to improved digestion, energy levels, mood, hormone balance, and even longevity.
So next time you sit down for a meal, try taking a step back and asking yourself if you really need that second helping – your body will thank you.