Four Steps to a More Nutritious Diet
Changing to a more nutritious diet can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. In fact, following these four simple steps will make the process much easier and help you stay on track.
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Get Rid Of Unhealthy Foods
First, get rid of all the unhealthy food in your house. If it's there, you're much more likely to eat it. So clear out your cupboards and fridge and donate non-perishable items to a local food bank. Out of sight, out of mind, right?
What Healthy Foods Do You Like?
Second, make a list of healthy foods that you like to eat. This will make it easier to incorporate them into your diet. For example, if you don't like the taste of kale, you won't want to eat it every day. But if you like the taste of salmon, you're more likely to make it a regular part of your diet.
Try To Cook At Home
One way to ensure you're eating more nutritious meals is by cooking at home more often. Cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients that go into your food and the portion sizes. It can also be quicker and cheaper than ordering take-out or eating. If cooking meals from scratch feels daunting, start by looking up healthy recipes with simple ingredients. Then, once you get more comfortable in the kitchen, you can experiment with making your own healthier versions of your favourite foods.
Include Different Food Groups In Your Diet
Most people know that a balanced diet is essential for good health. Still, many don't realize that including all food groups is vital to maintaining a healthy weight and preventing chronic diseases. The best way to ensure you're getting the nutrients your body needs is to include a variety of food groups in your diet.
If you're not used to eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, start gradually adding more to your plate. For example, add a side salad to lunch, dinner, or snack on raw veggies like carrots, celery, or cucumbers. Incorporate a wide variety of colours into your diet as well. Brightly coloured fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants and phytochemicals that have been linked to a reduced risk of cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
In addition to fruits and vegetables, whole grains are essential to a nutritious diet. Look for bread, cereals, and pasta made with whole wheat or other grains like oats or barley. These foods contain more fibre than their refined counterparts, which can help with weight loss and digestion.
Protein is another essential nutrient, and there are many vegetarian foods high in protein if you don't eat meat. For example, beans, lentils, tofu, and quinoa are excellent protein sources. Incorporate these into your diet by adding them to soups, salads, or main dishes.
Finally, don't forget about dairy products. Low-fat milk and yogurt provide calcium and vitamin D, essential for strong bones. If you don't like milk, many dairy-free alternatives are available, such as soy and almond milk.
Making small changes to your diet can significantly impact your overall health. By including all food groups in your diet, you'll be sure to get the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and prevent chronic diseases.
What is something you have done, or are doing now, that has helped you to eat more nutritiously?
