Almost everyone wants to stay healthy and make wise food choices. But sometimes, it’s hard to do the best we can, when it comes to our nutrition. Here are some smart ideas to help you and your family with putting good things in your bodies, while enjoying what you eat.
To improve your nutrition, you should keep track of what you eat. All food contains a certain number of calories that you should add up, to make sure you meet the amount of calories that you need everyday. Counting calories also helps you to reduce the quantity of food that you eat, if you tend to overeat.
One decision regarding nutrition is whether or not to eat meat. A vegetarian diet has long been espoused in the East, less so in the West. There are voices which show the nutritional deficiencies of a diet without meat. There are vegetarian advocates who show ways to make up these deficiencies–without eating meat. Consider both and decide for yourself!
For better nutrition, eat your favorite fruits and vegetables raw instead of cooked. Raw produce contains many vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that steaming, boiling and frying removes. It is also a good decision to eat the skin of the fruit or vegetable, if possible, as most of the nutrients are near the surface.
Find healthy alternatives to frying your favorite foods. Fried foods are bad for you. This does not mean you have to eliminate all your favorite foods from your household. Just find new, healthier ways to cook them. Instead of frying try baking, braising, broiling, steaming, or poaching your meals instead.
Animal fats are seen as culprits of high cholesterol by many nutritionists, so many people are avoiding animal fats. The mainstream recommendation is currently that we make animal fats no more than 10% of our caloric intake. But, there is another voice that says these fats contain necessary nutrients, amino acids that contain carnitine and other substances vital to fat metabolism.
One way to have healthy bones is by taking lots of calcium rich foods. A good source of calcium are dairy products, such as soy milk. These products also provide the body with a good amount of protein and helps the body to be less prone to the disease called osteoporosis.
To cleanse your colon, look for nutrient rich foods that are rich in fiber. Fiber works as a natural laxative, making it a perfect choice for colon cleansing. To keep your health optimal, you should be sure to consume plenty of nutrients while you cleanse. Foods like green peas, spinach, and kidney beans will cleanse your colon while providing your body with vitamins and minerals.
Don’t be afraid to try new things in your search for healthier foods. With a little experimentation you can prepare protein bars, jerky, dried fruits and other healthy snacks. Another healthy option is oatmeal pancakes.
If you are trying to have a healthy diet, be sure your family eats the same thing as you. Everyone should be eating as healthy as they can. If you make two meals, one for you and one for your family, you wil be more tempted to eat a bit of their meal which could be bad for your weight loss.
If you are having a bagel in the morning for breakfast, try not to use a lot of cream cheese as a topping. Cream cheese contains a high level of fat, and can make you feel lethargic during the day. This can also hurt your energy level when working out at the gym.
If you normally use cream cheese or butter as a spread for some food items, you should think about using a healthier option. Butter and cream cheese are not very healthy. Peanut butter or almond butter can be good replacements for cream cheese and butter. Peanut butter and almond butter are healthier and are just as flavorful.
Replace your syrup with pureed fruit. Fill up your blender with any fruit that is in season or that you happen to get a good deal on at the supermarket. Blemishes don’t matter so much because they won’t be seen anyway. Instead of using syrup to top off your pancakes, French toast and waffles, make a healthier choice!
One of the nutrients many people do not get enough of on a daily basis is calcium. It is one of the most important nutrients in one’s diet, because it controls many things, including nerves, muscles, and bones. Good sources of it include milk, nuts, and dark green vegetables.
Make sure you’re not consuming an excess of Vitamin A if you’re pregnant. Too much Vitamin A can cause birth defects or liver toxicity in the baby. Don’t take any Vitamin A supplements while you’re pregnant without first checking with your doctor. You shouldn’t intake more than 10,000 (IU’s) of Vitamin A while pregnant.
Avoid foods that contain monosodium glutamate. Commonly known as “MSG”, this is a food additive used by many restaurants and food manufacturers to enhance the flavor of food. It adds no nutritional value. Many people experience adverse symptoms like headaches, nausea, and heart palpitations after consuming foods with MSG. To avoid possible reaction, you should avoid foods containing MSG altogether.
Reduce the refined foods in your diet. Refined foods are high in sugars, empty carbohydrates, and fats. They contain less nutritional value per calorie than unrefined foods. Avoiding them can lead to a healthier diet and lifestyle. Your best bet is to stick with raw, fresh foods whenever possible.
Avoid using excess salt when seasoning your foods. When salt is used heavily in foods, it can increase blood pressure, which can cause a heightened chance of strokes and heart attacks. Instead of using salt on your food, try using other healthy season alternatives for flavorful results when cooking.
As you can see from this wide variety of tips, improving nutrition doesn’t have to be difficult. The next time you struggle with making wise food decisions, take another look at these tips for advice and motivation. Soon, you’ll be on your way to a healthier lifestyle and also, feeling good about what you eat.
