Every year, millions of people take it for granted that they have access to a world of healthy, nutrient-dense foods that are capable of enhancing the quality and length of their lives. The information found in this handpicked selection of nutrition tips and tricks offers excellent insight into obtaining proper nutritional intake.
Chocolate is not your enemy. While candy bars are obviously an unhealthy choice, dark chocolate is a much healthier alternative. Dark chocolate has much less fat and calories than milk chocolate, and consuming a little bit of it can reduce your sweet tooth and has even proven to increase your life span.
If you can make one change to improve your nutrition, it should be to reduce or eliminate sugars. Much has been made of low-glycemic index foods, and indeed there is a strong basis to show that lowering sugars can guard against health problems such as diabetes, as well as lowering one’s appetite for sugary foods, which can contribute to weight loss.
Have a treat once a week or more. Many people who decide to start eating in a healthy way think they have to cut out all the food they really love, and that’s not so. When you do have a fatty food or one high in sugar, just make sure that it is a smaller portion.
Digestibility needs to be considered along with the nutritional value of foods. Some studies (notably by Dr. Weston Price)show that traditional methods of preparing grains make them more digestible and add food value. These methods soak the grains and cause fermentation, which in turn creates enzymes that help us digest these foods.
Use cauliflower instead of potatoes. Boil cauliflower in a pot on the stove until very tender. Then, the cauliflower in a mixer or food processor with butter, light sour cream, salt and pepper, and blend until it reaches a smooth texture similar to mashed potatoes. It has far fewer carbohydrates and calories, as well as more nutrients and vitamins.
When eating out, ask your server for his or her recommendations. Restaurants often specifically train their servers to be very familiar with the menu. The next time you find yourself eating out, do not be afraid to question the staff. They will likely be able to point out to you, the healthiest choices on the menu.
When considering your nutrition, do not over do it with vitamins and supplements. Multivitamin pills can never replace the amount of nutrients that you receive in eating food. While they are good to compliment your meal with, never substitute a pill for real food. Your body might not react well to a large intake of concentrated vitamins.
We should consider carefully the meats and poultry we eat. Most are still laden with antibiotics and hormones, nitrites and nitrates–all detrimental to our health. Fortunately, in recent years, meats raised without these chemicals have become far more widely available to the general public. We can find them now at major supermarkets.
Eat a healthy mix of different foods in your diet. If you are trying to bulk up or lose weight, you might be focusing on certain foods to complement your workout routine, but don’t forget to eat in a healthy way that incorporates foods from all food groups. This will help keep your body full of the nutrients you need to function.
Vegetables are one of the cornerstones of proper nutrition. To be sure that your daily vitamin and nutrient requirements are met, eat a wide variety of vegetables in as many colors as you can throughout the day. For instance, try eating green broccoli, red peppers and orange carrots to vary the types of vitamins that your body is getting. Aim for eating at least three servings of vegetables each day.
To reduce your body’s uric acid levels, eat foods that have a high alkaline content. Alkaline balances your body’s ph levels and helps eliminate acidifying toxins such as uric acid. Foods that contain a high level of alkaline include swiss chard, sweet potatoes, and watermelon. Herbal teas are also high in alkaline.
A great nutrition tip is to start taking the supplement Coenzyme Q10. Coenzyme Q10 has been scientifically proven to convert oxygen in the bloodstream into energy. This means that by taking Coenzyme Q10 you’ll have much more energy. If you suffer from fatigue, Coenzyme Q10 can do wonders for you.
Good nutrition can go a long way in relieving some of the common discomforts of pregnancy. Avoid fried foods, excessive spices and too many fatty foods to help combat the heartburn that often comes along when you are pregnant. Eat fiber rich foods to increase intestinal movement and avoid constipation.
With the advice found in this article, you can take the first step in revamping your current diet to include more healthy and nutritious foods and beverages. Whether you make a single, healthful adjustment or create an entirely new nutritional plan, you are sure to discover that you feel and look much better than you ever thought possible.