Looking after your health doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s as simple as eating the right foods. A nutritious diet can help keep diseases, like heart problems and diabetes, away. For those who already have these conditions, a balanced diet can aid in better management. While the term “healthy eating” might mean different things to different people, the goal doesn’t change: we should aim to eat things that give our bodies the nutrients they need.
So, what’s good nutrition? It’s basically fueling your body with foods that have essential vitamins and minerals. This also means watching your fat intake. High-fiber foods are usually a good idea, as is including five portions of fruits and veggies in your day-to-day diet. And don’t forget — it’s important to be mindful of portion sizes as well.
While a balanced diet teamed with regular exercise is key, you should dodge all those trendy diets that promise fast results. They’re often hard to stick to and could potentially be harmful. Instead, think long-term. Try opting for healthy staples, like roti, and getting the hang of caloric content of such foods.
Need to make some dietary changes or not sure where to start? If you answer “yes” to any of these questions, it might be a good idea to talk to a health professional about your eating habits:
– Has a doctor mentioned you have a health risk, like high blood pressure or high cholesterol?
– Has a doctor suggested a better diet could improve your health?
– Do you have family history of conditions like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or osteoporosis?
– Have you gained some weight over time or are currently overweight?
– Are you unsure about what foods to eat or if you should be taking dietary supplements?
– Do you think seeing a nutritionist would be helpful?
Switching to healthier eating can be tough, but it’s doable if you make small changes over time. It becomes even more important if your health could be affected by what you eat. Here are three tips to get started, but remember to keep in touch with your doctor to track your progress:
1. Check your diet: Do you eat enough fruits, veggies, whole grains, and high-fiber foods? Are you getting enough calcium? Keep up the good work if you’re nailing these, or try to include more of these foods in your meals if not.
2. Keep a food diary: This can help you understand your eating habits better and show you where you need to make changes.
3. Consider professional advice: A dietitian can give you personalized food tips, particularly if you have specific health concerns.
Cutting down on unhealthy fats is another key step to healthier eating. If you’re used to eating a lot of fat, you could try doing the following:
– Opt for baked, grilled or broiled meats instead of fried. Try removing the skin from poultry before cooking and make sure you’re eating fish at least once a week.
– Cut down on extra fats, such as butter on bread or high-calorie salad dressings. Go for low-fat or fat-free versions where possible.
– Up your fruit and veggie intake.
– Check nutrition labels on foods before you buy them. If you’re not sure about anything, ask your doctor or dietitian.
– Watch out for hidden fats and oversized portions when eating out.
Keeping hydrated is super important as well. Choose drinks with little or no calories, like water or tea, over sugary drinks.
A healthy diet isn’t about quick fixes. A varied diet full of whole foods is best. Be wary of diets that promise miracles. People in ads may get paid for their endorsements and the potential downsides aren’t usually highlighted. Lastly, make sure the dietary changes you aim for are achievable. Embrace small yet meaningful changes and put your health first — it’s a journey that’s worth the effort.
