Concerned that you’re not getting the proper nutrients from your diet? Your body has many ways of letting you know that it’s time to change your eating habits. 

Many people, unfortunately, are too busy, stressed, or disconnected from their bodies to notice the signs. Take a few days to pay attention to how your body feels after eating and to how it feels as you go about your everyday life. It might be time to change what you buy at the grocery store if: 

You feel tired all the time 

Food provides the fuel that your body needs to function and perform all of its daily tasks. If you feel sluggish and tired even after getting enough sleep, then your diet might be lacking in important nutrients such as magnesium and iron. Eating plenty of leafy greens, whole grains, and iron-fortified cereal can help you feel more energetic and might improve your quality of sleep as well. 

You eat out more often than you eat in 

With the plethora of healthy food options available at restaurants today, dining out or getting takeout doesn’t quite carry the same negative connotations as it once did. Nevertheless, if you eat out all the time, then you’re likely to eat bigger portion sizes than you would if you made your meals at home. Plus, unless you are specifically looking for healthy options, you may not be choosing the most nutritious meals. 

You feel hungry again shortly after eating 

If you often feel hungry not long after eating, then it could mean that you are consuming a lot of empty calories. In order to feel satiated after eating, you’ll want to try incorporating more nutritious foods into your diet, particularly foods which contain fibre. On top of keeping you from feeling hungry until it’s time for your next meal, fibre will also help you feel satisfied after eating less than you normally would. 

You have trouble building a workout 

Proper nutrition is crucial for building a workout routine. Without enough protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs, your body may not be able to build muscle as efficiently, and your sore muscles will have a harder time repairing themselves after a workout. If you feel like your body isn’t getting any stronger despite regularly working out, then take a closer look at your diet. 

You’re often bloated 

A poor diet will often result in bloating. If you notice that your stomach is abnormally swollen and if you’re suddenly not feeling comfortable in your clothes, then take a bit of time to think about what you’ve been eating for the last few days. Sugary snacks and junk food will be the likely culprits. 

You should definitely see a doctor if you suddenly feel “off.” But, if you are otherwise healthy and just struggling with a general sense of malaise and discomfort, then you should also take a closer look at your diet. Simply being a bit more mindful about what you are eating might be all you need to feel good in your body again.