There are a lot of health-food nuts out there, always pushing their organic and macrobiotic products on you. But is this food really nutritious? The truth is that nutrition is a wide-ranging issue, and you need to be informed about every type of food. Here are a few tips to help you out:
- Try to avoid fad diets: Many of these are not tailored to fit everybody’s different nutritional and health-related needs, so doing some of these without consulting a physician can be dangerous. many leave out important daily nutrients that your body needs. Stick to things like lean meats, watching your fats, cholesterol, and sugars, and eating healthy produce with a lot of water
- Daily protein is crucial: Proteins are a vital part of the building and maintaining your muscles, organs, and skin. They also help out your energy metabolism and your cell processes. Protein helps your body protect against harmful diseases. Great sources of protein include legumes, tofu, poultry, dairy, grains, fish, and meats.
- Digestion matters: 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, such as soaking grains which in turn creates enzymes that help us digest these foods.
- Don’t forget your vitamins: In addition to eating healthy foods that are rich in nutrients, you should try adding vitamin supplements to your routine. Vitamin supplements provide you with all the essential vitamins and minerals that your body needs to function and to maintain itself and its immune system. You can find vitamin supplements at any local drug store. Vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to diabetes, high blood pressure, chronic pain, depression, cancer and a number of other illnesses. Foods rich in vitamin D include milk, cod liver oil, fish, and liver. If none of these foods appeal to you, try taking a supplement to get your daily dose, instead. Peaches are a popular fruit among many people around the world.
- Yes, you CAN drink alcohol: Enjoy a drink now and again. Countless studies have shown that a drink now and then, whether it be a glass of wine or beer, is actually good for you. A certain amount of alcohol can help to lower the incidence of cardiovascular disease. That being said, you should aim for a low-alcohol version, which is obviously, lower in calories.
- Snack Replacements: Almonds are a fantastic addition to your food arsenal, especially to reduce the cravings that you have. Choose a bag of almonds, instead of potato chips, for a snack that you will enjoy and not have to regret afterward. Small decisions like this can add up over time in your journey to attain the body you desire.
- Portion Control: A great nutrition tip is to be more aware of how much food you’re eating. If you eat your meals off of a large plate you’re probably consuming more calories than you should. An easy way to reduce your portion sizes is by serving your food on smaller dishes.
- Make it from scratch: Prepackaged foods should be the exception, not the rule. Make your food from raw ingredients. Even boxed dinners that require you to add your own meat or other ingredients still contain heavily processed ingredients and spices. Look up some tasty recipes online.
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