HEALTHY LIFE

You are what you eat.

There is no secret to living a long and happy life. It depends on your body, mind, and habits. All of us need food to stay alive; it is the fuel that keeps us going.

So when it comes to how we build our lives, nutrition is crucial for everyone. Your brain needs nutrients to function properly. This means keeping an eye out for hidden nutritional gems in nature and seeking them out. Here are some ways you can incorporate more nutritious foods into your diet:

Eat whole foods instead of processed food.

Vegan food is always better for health but not all vegan food is bad! So don’t panic if you find yourself hungry or feeling starved. Whole foods tend to be higher in protein and fiber.

Eating whole foods is also more sustainable and less polluted. In addition, it doesn’t require preservatives, artificial sweeteners, or high fructose corn syrup. Some whole food brands also offer plant-based substitutes such as soy, tofu, eggs, and dairy. Check these companies out! No artificial ingredients, trans fats, gluten, and sodium, as well as refined sugars, added sugar, and chemical residues are found in any products made from whole foods.

Don’t forget about vegetables.

Vegetables are vital to building the immune system. They have loads of nutritional value which makes their consumption beneficial for everyone. Foods high in vitamin A, zinc, iron, and more are good choices for your daily meals or snacks.

Eat fresh fruits for a boost.

If there is something in your fridge or freezer that you miss, buy fresh fruit instead. Fresh berries and melons are rich in vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Not only will this keep you motivated to get out in the sun, but it will also help you maintain a healthier weight. Try using fresh citrus fruits instead of store-bought alternatives, as they have fewer calories and are often packed with other essential nutrients as well.

Eliminate refined carbohydrates and salt if possible.

Refined carbohydrates can contribute to health issues. Refined carbohydrates can cause digestive problems, high blood cholesterol levels, and diabetes in people who don’t have type 2 diabetes. Refined carbohydrates are often made from sugars or starches, and are often added to soymilk, pasta sauce, breads, and cereals. When you see them on labels, consider replacing them with whole foods as they not only contribute but reduce your waist size too! Refined carbohydrates have almost 3 times the amount of calories than whole foods! If at all possible, replace the refined carbohydrates with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Eating whole foods also includes less sugar.

Many people tend to consume more sugar than necessary. Since we aren’t getting enough fruits and vegetables, sugar goes over the roof! The best thing you can do is to replace sugar with water and whole fruits and vegetables. If you enjoy cooking, you may wish to try making a smoothie using fruits and vegetables blended with fresh herbs and spices instead. Or simply mix some fresh fruit into your yogurt or milk.

You should opt for low fat dairy products.

When purchasing dairy, look for whole dairy products like yogurt, cream, ice cream, dark chocolate, etc. Do not buy skim or part-fat dairy products as these contain even more saturated fats that are not very good for you or your body. Opt for milk and milk products that are full of protein and fat that won’t make your blood pressure soar. Avoid dairy products that contain lactose, eggs, and alcohol. Lactose is in both dairy and non-dairy milk products which can increase your risk of heart disease and can cause bloating. As a result, avoid drinks containing milk, yoghurts, yogurts (cheese), eggs, or liquor (wine or rum). Eat some dairy milk or yogurt on the weekends and during holidays, and you’ll be sure to live up to your commitment to staying fit.

Reduce sodium.

Calorie counting is something everyone has to go through at one point or another in their life. The worst way to lose weight is to drink large amounts of soda and sodas that contain lots of sodium. Reducing sodium in your diet can improve fluid retention and muscle tone. Replacing sugary beverages with unsweetened orange juice and guava juice is a great move for those who like sweets. Studies also show that people who cut back on saturated fats have lower blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, and cholesterol. For more information and recipes on lowering sodium, check this article here. There are many easy swaps to make, like adding lemon juice or apple juice to your morning juice and making oatmeal with vegetable broth for dinner every night. Even though it may feel difficult at first, it will change your life. Just stick with it and you may find a few new friends along the way.

Use organic products over normal ones.

Did you know that everything you buy has been made from animals? Whether it’s meatballs, chicken strips, cookies, or anything else that contains meat or has come from animals, you are consuming meat products. These are packed with fat, sugar, and calories. If you try not to use products made from animal flesh, you will be able to eliminate meat products from your diet in time. Remember, it isn’t just about cutting down on burgers and fries. Consider trying to eat healthy versions of these foods and you can save money and reduce your waist.

Cut back on caffeine and sugar.

Coffee and sodas not only contain sugar but also lead to health problems when consumed in excess. Coffee contains caffeine and other substances that can disrupt sleep cycles. These caffeine-rich drinks also suppress your metabolism and decrease insulin sensitivity. Caffeine is also linked to obesity problems, which is why it is important to limit your intake of caffeine-rich products. Talk to your doctor about potential coffee sensitivities so you know exactly when you could have symptoms and start reducing your intake. Substituting plain ground coffee for sweetened iced coffee, green tea, or black coffee will take down your cortisol levels. Drink more water and start drinking more water rather than coffee or sodas. Keep an eye on your body and adjust accordingly.

Conclusion

There are so many simple ways you can incorporate more nutritious foods into your diet, including buying your own produce, baking at home, using a juicer, or substituting processed foods for fruits and veggies. Make sure you aren’t doing too much harm to your body by following the above tips, and you’ll find that, over time, these tips will transform your life and give you the energy you need for whatever lies ahead. Let’s hope it helps you live a healthier lifestyle! Please mention any additional dietary changes, side effects, or concerns you have if you are looking to make changes to take care of your overall health and make positive changes in your life! I am sharing articles written by my friend Dr. Lisa Woodman, M.D., licensed psychologist and licensed addiction specialist, and I agree to the terms and conditions of the website.