Hey, taking care of your health isn’t as complicated as it sounds! It’s as simple as eating the right kinds of food. Imagine a balanced and wholesome diet as your personal army that wards off chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes. And if you’re already fighting these health battles, a nutritious diet can be a great sidekick, helping you control your condition better. Now, what “eating healthy” means can vary from person to person but the main idea is to consistently choose food and drinks rich in the nutrients our bodies need to run smoothly.
So, how can you start making healthier food choices and stick with them lifelong? Here are some pro-tips.
First, let’s get clear on what good nutrition means: It’s all about filling your plate with nutrient-dense foods and keeping an eye on your fat intake. Adding fiber-rich foods to your menu can be a smart move for many, and everybody could use at least five servings of fruits and veggies every day. Part of good nutrition is also keeping tabs on your portion sizes to avoid gobbling up more calories than your body needs.
When it comes to aiming for optimal health, remember a well-rounded diet plus regular exercise hold the keys. Beware of fad diets though. They usually promise quick results but are tricky to stick to in the long run and they might even be harmful. Sustainability is key when it comes to your meals. Think about including wholesome and nutritious food like roti. Knowing more about its nutritional profile and calories can be useful.
Do you think you might need a change in your diet? If any of these questions get a “yes” from you, you might want to have a chat about your eating habits with a healthcare professional:
• Has your doctor mentioned a medical concern like high blood pressure or high cholesterol?
• Did your doctor say eating better might help improve your condition?
• Are conditions like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or osteoporosis common in your family?
• Have you been putting on weight or are currently overweight?
• Do you feel unsure about the food you should be eating or about dietary supplements?
• Do you consider getting help from a nutritionist or a dietitian a good idea?
Here are some practical steps to help you switch to healthier eating habits. Remember to connect with your healthcare provider regularly to keep track of how you’re doing:
1. Assess your diet currently: Are you getting at least 4-5 servings of fruits and vegetables each day? Is your diet full of whole grains and high-fiber foods? Are you meeting your daily calcium needs? If you’re doing great, keep going, and if not, try to include more of these into your meals.
2. Write down what you’re eating and drinking each day: Keeping a food log can give you a good picture of your eating habits and show you what changes you might need to make.
3. Look for help from a dietitian: They can provide personalized advice about your diet, particularly if you have specific health issues.
One universally accepted practice for healthier eating is cutting down on unhealthy fats. If your typical meal is high in fat, consider baking, grilling, or broiling your meat instead of frying. Take the skin off your poultry before you cook it and try to eat fish at least once a week. Lower your intake of extra fat like butter on bread or heavy salad dressings and choose healthier alternatives.
Get into the habit of reading nutrition labels before you buy any food products, and if you find them tough to understand, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider or dietitian for help. When eating out, be aware of hidden fats and oversized portions.
Stay properly hydrated: Stick with zero- or low-calorie drinks like water or tea and stay away from sugary drinks which just add unnecessary sugar and calories to your diet.
Remember, there’s no magic pill for perfect nutrition. It’s a diverse diet full of whole foods that does the trick. Be skeptical of diet programs or products that seem too good to be true. And set manageable diet goals for yourself, like cutting back on unhealthy fats or making small dietary changes. Your health is worth making these changes.
Written by Anamika Singh, the content marketer at Rotimatic: A dedicated mom of two, Anamika is well-known for her insightful writing on parenting, cooking, home appliances, and home maintenance. When she’s not writing or taking care of her family, you can find Anamika in the kitchen whipping up amazing dishes or buried in a book. Her practical advice and actionable tips make her a valuable resource for her readers.
Tags: Better Health, Expert Advice, Smart Eating
