Nutrition is a very important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Without the proper balance of nutritional components, our body feels depleted, aged and even ill at times. There has been much written about nutrition and sorting through so much information can often become confusing. Here we will outline some of the best tips to help you get started on your path to feeling healthier.
Legumes are superstars of the nutritional world. They provide protein and help balance blood sugar. But they may seem dull. Just dress them up in a good recipe and they are superstars of taste also: lentils become a good veggie burger, chick peas become hummus, beans excel in Mexican dishes, and there is nothing better than a bowl of homemade pea soup on a cold winter day!
One great way to live healthier is to eat nuts. Nuts have been proven to be very good for the heart. Nuts have monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that are great for the heart. Nuts also have other nutrients such as fiber and vitamin E that can lower your risk of heart disease.
The nutritional value of fish makes it a “must” in our diet. Omega 3 fatty acids are its most touted value. Salmon is especially high in Omega 3’s. But fish also provide other good things: protein, vitamins A and D, and valuable trace minerals. These nutrients are best found in “wild caught” fish.
Use artificial sweeteners in lieu of sugar. Too much sugar causes many health problems, including dangerous heart disorders. Stevia is a popular herbal sweetener, and it is a much healthier option than refined sugar. You may not even be able to tell anything is different.
A great nutrition tip is to bring your own healthy snacks with you to the movies. Movie theaters are notorious for the unhealthy food they sell such as popcorn and candy. The butter they use on their popcorn is extremely unhealthy. It’s much healthier to bring your own snack.
Salad is one of the best things that you can put into your body, and can limit the amount of fat that you consume. Instead of eating a hearty meal that is filled with calories and carbohydrates, eat a salad. This will go a long way in your quest for the perfect body.
When trying to have a healthy diet, add new healthy foods. Try something that you have never had before. You may be missing out on something that you really would enjoy. There are a lot of fruits and vegetables that people never try. You can start introducing new foods into your diet slowly. You should try something new once a week.
Introduce vegetables to your children at a young age. The taste may not be what they’re used to, so you might have to try experimenting with different ways to cook and season vegetables to make them desirable for them. Vegetables have a lot of minerals and vitamins unavailable anywhere else, so getting your children used to them is a good idea for their lifelong health.
Eat your daily servings of meat or other good proteins. Proteins, such as those in meat, are necessary for healthy muscle growth and maintenance. Whether you choose beef, pork or chicken is up to you; it is just important to get the nutrients that are needed by your muscles. Eat a minimum of 10 ounces per day.
Monitor carbohydrate intake to measure the amount of glucose going into your system. Glucose is generally the end-product of sugars, and is the main source of energy for your body. When you eat too many carbohydrates they get stored as glycogen and eventually fat. When you eat too little these fats dissociate and revert back to their sugar states. Monitoring your intake is very important when deciding if you wish to lose or gain weight.
Want to be healthy? Then you have to eat healthy! Think good nutrition! Use fats and oils as little as possible. Try to use olive, and canola oils as they provide heart-healthy fat and essential vitamins and minerals. Also try to add fish to your diet, just not too much because everything is only good in moderation.
Good nutrition stems from understanding the amount of calories required to fuel your body. A great way to really understand your body’s needs is to record what you eat for a week in a journal and then make an appointment with a nutritionist who can guide you in what your body needs for your fitness and nutritional goals.
Everyone wants to feel healthy. Maintaining the proper balance of nutritional values is an integral part of living a healthier life. Proper nutrition leads to longevity, a more youthful appearance and decreased illnesses. Follow the tips we have provided in this article and you too can begin to reap the benefits of a healthier lifestyle.