There is conflicting advice on healthy eating. Sometimes one may feel confused and unable to make the right decision if there is no proper guidance. The first step to better health is to identify healthy food and how to make it more nutritious. A nutritious diet boosts immunity to promote fitness and health.
What is a healthy and nutritious diet?
The popular belief that a nutritious and healthy diet is less exciting and restricts one from eating foods they enjoy is wrong. Eating healthy is about products and foods that make you feel more energetic, improve your health, and boost your mood. The ideal healthy diet should be natural, or the products’ ingredients should be.
Tips when selecting healthy and nutritious products
To stick to a healthy eating plan, one should choose foods they enjoy eating, but there should be a balance to ensure you get protein, carbohydrates, and fats from these foods. Another important class of food to add to your diet is fibre and calcium.
Here are some tips you can follow to identify nutrition-dense healthy products:
- Opt for brightly coloured fruits.
- Look for healthy products that contain whole grain and fortified with fibre.
- Choose low-fat dairy products.
- Choose your foods wisely when dining out with preference given to nutrient-rich meals on the menu.
- Serve multiple nutrient-rich meals such as vegetable broths and creamy oatmeal smoothies regularly.
- Nuts and seeds used as toppings on various meals throughout the day is a healthy routine.
- Opt for healthy and nutritious desserts such as chocolaty banana and peanut smoothie, dried fruits, or whole oatmeal baked bars.
Products considered healthy and nutritious
Natural food supplements
Research shows that taking foods in their natural state is the best way for the body to get vital nutrients for better health. But in cases where there are no sufficient nutrients, one should take supplements. Opt for supplements that have natural ingredients. Through reviews, one can get the best supplements depending on their health status.
Fruits and vegetables
For a healthy diet, one must increase one intake of fruits and vegetables that are natural antioxidants. Opt for organic berries, vegetables, and fruits. Growing such fruits in your garden or getting them from reliable sources is also recommended. Some of the inorganic fruits and vegetables grow under harsh conditions. Pesticides and other pest control methods may affect the quality of fruits and vegetables.
Low-fat dairy products
Some of the most nutritious and healthy low-fat dairy products are cottage cheese, low-fat yoghurt, and other fermented dairy products. Fortified soy milk products are also nutritious and healthy.
Unprocessed and wholemeal grain products
Fibre is a component of any healthy diet. Reducing your wheat products intake and opting for whole-grain carbohydrates will help you to get more fibre in your diet.
Remember, things done in moderation have no negative consequences for diet choices and lifestyle choices. Taking small portions of all food classes, controlling emotional eating, and taking healthy snacks will help you achieve your healthy eating plan. Remember to adopt a fitness plan for overall good health.
Elena Deeley did her degree in psychology at the University of Edinburgh. She has an ongoing interest in mental health and well-being.
