Healthy eating is not about staying idealistically thin, or staying away from the foods you love. It should start with how to “eat smart,” which is not just what you eat, but howyou eat. It is important that you learn healthy habits of eating so you can reduce your risk of illnesses, protect against depression, boost your energy, sharpen your memory, and stabilize your mood.
Experts agree that the solution to healthy eating is the time-tested advice of balance, variety, and self-control. That means eating a wide variety of foods without getting too many calories. These 10 guidelines can help you follow that advice while still enjoying the foods you like to eat.
1. Eat foods with high nutritional value. It takes a variety of food to acquire most of the nutrients needed in your body. Your daily food intake should include a mixture of whole-grain, fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, and fish.
2. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are low in calories and nutrient dense, which means they are packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber. It can easily burn up when you exercise.
3. Eat more healthy carbohydrates and whole grains. Choose healthy carbohydrates and fiber sources, especially whole grains, for long lasting energy. It has also photochemicals and antioxidants, which help prevent coronary heart disease, certain forms of cancer, and diabetes.
4. Maintain a normal weight. Your weight is the basis of many factors – sex, height, and age. A professional dietitian can help you develop sensible eating habits for successful weight management.
5. Eat regularly. Do not skip meals. It can lead you to starve, resulting to overeating. When you’re hungry, eat a small meal.
6. Lessen your calories; do not get rid of it. The more you neglect your favorite food, the more susceptible you become to overindulging in the future.
7. Slowly make a difference. Healthy eating would require some sacrifice. Change your eating habits gradually so you don’t end up sliding back to unhealthy practices.
8. It’s not just what’s on your plate; it’s how you eat it. Chew your food slowly. The more you chew your food the faster it will be digested. You’ll also end up feeling fuller.
9. Food shouldn’t rule you. Always bear in mind that food is just food. Don’t let it you’re your life. Eat your favorite foods in moderation and just remember to keep a generally healthy diet.
10. Stock the kitchen with healthier options. Healthy eating starts in your kitchen. So, stock up on healthy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, fish, lean meats and poultry, whole grain bread, and low fat dairy products. Find creative ways to incorporate these in your cooking to come up with nutritious and delicious meals that you and your family can enjoy.
Always remember that too much of anything is bad, so enjoy treats moderately and maintain a healthy diet. Happy healthy eating!
What’s an 11th guideline that I have missed? Let me know by adding your tips below.