Each day, you make choices about your lifestyle, but the key to a healthy lifestyle begins with eating healthy food. Most adults in the United States consume excess calories than their bodies require, so it’s important to review some healthy lifestyle choices.
1. Strive for balance
For most days, eat different kinds of food, such as dairy products, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Pay close attention to your body. It will help if you eat when you're hungry, but do not continue when you're full. Aim for moderation. Don’t consume too little or too much of a single food item. Don’t eat too fast; relax and enjoy your meal. Remember, healthy eating is not a chore but a pleasure.
Be adventurous, go for variety. Eat a variety of foods each day to acquire multiple types of nutrients. Healthier eating will help you receive the perfect balance of nutrients, which will give you energy. It will also help you to control and prevent various health conditions, like cancer, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.
2. Choose high-fiber meals
Make sure that your food has natural carbohydrates. According to the World Health Organization, eating higher-fiber food helps to ensure a healthy lifestyle. Bread and cereal have more fiber than processed or starchy carbohydrates.
3. Eat fruits and vegetables
Start eating at least 400g of fruits and vegetables each day. You can eat the juiced, canned, fresh, or local fruits. Consider chopping a banana for your breakfast cereal or even swap your regular morning snacks with fresh fruits and vegetables. A glass of smoothie, vegetable juice, or fruit juice qualifies as one portion, but only take one glass to avoid damaging your teeth due to the sugar content of these drinks.
4. Don’t delay or skip meals
Skipping and delaying meals doesn’t necessarily help you to lose weight. If you ignore eating whenever you feel hungry, you can end up settling for unhealthy snacks or fast-food, which is not suitable for your health. Try to eat meals with less salt. Consuming much salt can increase your blood pressure, which exposes you to severe health problems like stroke and heart attack.
5. Drink water instead of carbonated drinks
Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water per day rather than sugary drinks. Don’t get thirsty. Go for healthier choices, such as low-sugar drinks, low-fat dairy products, and plenty of water, though other non-alcoholic beverages also count. Stay away from soft drinks because they have many calories and can damage your teeth. Always remember to drink more fluids while working out or during hot weather. On top of embracing healthy eating habits, remember to exercise regularly to achieve a healthy weight and improve your general well-being.
When it comes to choosing healthy eating habits, the more support you get, the easier it becomes to make lifestyle and eating changes. Consider asking your friends, colleagues, or family members to try healthy eating with you. Ask them to share healthy cooking tips or help you prepare meals. If you require more support, you can consult a health expert.
