Here’s a simpler and more conversational take:
Want to be healthy? It all starts with eating the right foods. Having a balanced diet helps prevent illnesses like heart disease and diabetes and aids in managing them if you already have one. Although what “healthy eating” looks like might differ for each of us, the goal stays the same: eat foods and drinks rich in the nutrients our bodies need to stay strong. How can you become a healthier eater and make it a lifelong goal? Let’s get to know the best strategies according to health experts.
What’s Good Nutrition All about?
Think of good nutrition as the foundation of a healthy lifestyle. It involves eating foods packed with necessary vitamins and minerals while limiting fats. It’s a smart move to go for high-fiber foods and aim for about five portions of fruits and veggies every day. Practicing portion control is important too, because it prevents you from eating more calories than your body needs.
Making Wise Food Choices
Having a good nutrition plan and regular exercise are the building blocks of a healthy life. Steer clear of trendy diets that promise quick results but are hard to keep up and may even harm your health. Instead, focus on a sustainable diet with nutritious options like roti, paying attention to its calorie count.
When to Revamp Your Diet?
If you answer ‘yes’ to any of the following, it’s high time to check in with a healthcare provider about your diet:
– Medical condition or risk factor, like high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels?
– Suggestions from your doctor that eating better could help improve your health status?
– Hereditary illnesses like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or osteoporosis in your family?
– Experiencing weight gain or at an unhealthy weight?
– Not sure about what foods to eat or if you need dietary supplements?
– Thinking about seeing a nutritionist or dietitian for helpful advice?
Getting to a Healthier You: 3 Practical Tips
Changing your eating habits can be tough, but possible with small, steady changes. If you have conditions affected by your diet, such as kidney disease, lactose intolerance, or celiac disease, these changes become even more critical. Here are steps to begin with, but always stay in touch with your healthcare provider to track your progress:
– Review your current diet. Are you regularly eating 4-5 servings of fruits and veggies a day? Meeting your calcium intake? Eating whole grains and high-fiber foods? If yes, keep going! If no, aim to add more of these foods into your daily meals.
– Keep track of what you eat and drink every day. A food diary can help you see what areas of your diet need some work.
– Get advice from a registered dietitian. They can give you tailored dietary advice, especially if you have particular health issues.
Cutting Down on Unhealthy Fats
Eating less unhealthy fats is universally good advice. To start:
– Choose to bake, grill, or broil your meat instead of frying it. Remove skin from chicken or turkey before you cook them. Try to eat fish at least once a week.
– Limit extra fats like butter on bread or cream in salad dressings. Try low-fat or fat-free versions.
– Eat more fruits and veggies – add them into your meals and snack times.
– Learn how to read food labels. Ask for help from your healthcare provider or dietitian if you’re not sure.
– Mind your food choices when dining out to avoid hidden fats and large servings.
Hydration Done Right
Staying hydrated is key for good health. Choose water or tea over sugary drinks like fruit juices, soda, sports drinks, sweetened milk, and sugary iced tea, as they add unnecessary sugar and calories to your diet.
To Remember:
– There’s no quick fix to better nutrition. The best diet includes different kinds of whole foods.
– Be careful of diet plans or products promising instant results. Most times, they hide the downsides such as potential side effects and possibility of regaining lost weight.
– Set realistic food goals. Even if it means cutting down on bad fats gradually or making tiny food changes, never forget that your health is a journey worth taking.
About the author:
Anamika Singh is a content marketer at Rotimatic. As a devoted mom of two, her insightful cooking and home maintenance content, as well as parenting wisdom, touch many. Apart from creating content and managing her family, Anamika loves cooking and reading. Her readers value her practical advice and actionable tips.
