Okay. So you have decided to make some changes in your life, and your diet is at the top of your list. Good for you! Do you know where to begin? Changing your diet for the purpose of healthy eating is easier said than done. It takes time to make the sort of adjustments that stick. You will not see results overnight. But it will make you healthier, not to mention it will help you look great as you age.
You may or may not know how to get started. In any case, the following tips should help you learn to eat well and improve your diet, regardless of your starting point.
More whole-grain carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are essential in any healthy diet. Nevertheless, not all carbs are equal. For starters, it would benefit you to avoid simple sugars as much as you can – commonly found in junk foods and sodas.
More importantly, you ought to substitute your carbohydrate choices with their whole-grain counterparts. This means whole-wheat flour instead of white, and whole-wheat bread instead of the regular kind.
Oatmeal is also a staple carbohydrate you can rely on. Just make sure it is not the type with added sugars.
More fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are the first foods many people think of when they hear healthy eating and for a good reason. They are nutrient powerhouses, while also being great sources of essential fiber.
If you find it hard to eat six to eight servings each day, start juicing them. There is nothing more nutritious and refreshing than drinking a variety of your favorite fruits and vegetables.
Don’t forget about protein. Protein is not just for those people who like to exercise. It is arguably the most important of the three macronutrients. Besides, eating more protein will help with satiety. A portion of rice does not satisfy you the same way as an equal amount of turkey breast. Protein sources will keep you feeling full for longer while providing nutrients that cannot be found in most fruits and vegetables.
If you don’t eat meat, you could always focus on dairy. Milk and yogurt (especially Greek) are excellent sources of protein for most people.
Go for healthy fats. Any legitimate discussion of healthy eating will include a mention of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Even if you are aiming to lose weight, fats are not to be avoided. You just have to be careful with the type of fats you chose.
There is such a thing as healthy fats. This is why the Mediterranean diet is so popular. Nuts, seeds, and certain oils like olive and canola should be your go-to choices. Vegetable oil should be avoided.
There is of course much more to healthy eating. At best this is only an introduction to the topic. But we must all start somewhere.