Eating a balanced and nutritious diet can benefit your overall health and well-being. Here are just a few ways that eating nutritious meals can positively impact your life.
Improved Physical Health. Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help to reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Increased Energy and Productivity. A nutrient-rich diet can help improve your energy levels and productivity at work and home.
Better Mental Health. Good nutrition can positively impact your mental health, help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improve your overall mood.
Improved Sleep. A good night’s sleep is essential for maintaining good health and well-being. Eating a balanced diet can help improve your quality of sleep and allow you to rest more easily.
Types of Foods to Eat
To achieve a balanced and nutritious diet, it is crucial to eat a variety of foods from each major food group. Here are some helpful tips regarding the types of foods you should eat:
Fruits and Vegetables: Aim for a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Try to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day.
Whole Grains. Choose whole-grain breads, cereals, and pastas, which are rich in fiber and nutrients. Aim for at least half of your grain intake to be from whole grains.
Lean Proteins. Consume lean protein sources, such as chicken, fish, beans, and tofu. Avoid processed meats which are high in saturated fat and sodium.
Healthy Fats. Opt for healthy fats, such as nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil. Limit your intake of saturated and trans fats which can increase your risk of heart disease.
Types of Foods to Avoid
In addition to focusing on the types of foods to eat, it's also important to be mindful of the foods to avoid. Limit or avoid eating the following types of food:
Sugary Drinks. Avoid sugary drinks such as soda, sports drinks, energy drinks, and sweetened fruit juices, which are high in calories and sugar.
Processed Foods. Limit your intake of processed foods, which are often high in sodium, added sugars, and unhealthy fats. Processed foods include fried and fast food, burgers, pizza, deli meats, snack foods (chips, crackers, candy, and cookies), baked goods, and instant noodles.
Fried Foods. Avoid fried foods which are high in unhealthy fats and calories.
By incorporating a variety of nutritious foods into your meals and avoiding highly processed and unhealthy foods, you can improve your overall health and well-being.
Small changes can make a big difference!
To learn more about healthy eating, visit www.eatright.org/
