Want to be healthier? It’s not as complicated as you may think. Start by focusing on your diet. The right food choices can not only prevent diseases like heart disease and diabetes but also help manage these conditions if you already have them. Everyone’s idea of “healthy eating” is a bit different, but the goal is to regularly eat things that give our bodies the nutrients they need.
So, what does good nutrition look like? It involves eating foods packed with vitamins and minerals while limiting fats. High-fiber foods are a smart choice and aim to eat five helpings of fruits or vegetables each day. It’s also important to watch portion sizes so you don’t eat more calories than your body needs.
Balance a good diet with exercise to truly take care of your health. Beware of quick fix diets since they can be hard to keep up and could even damage your health. Instead, think long-term about what works for you, like incorporating nutritious options, such as roti into your diet.
Ask yourself the following questions to see if it’s time for a diet check. If it’s a “yes” for any of them, talk with a healthcare professional. Has your doctor warned you of a medical condition or a risk factor like high blood pressure or high cholesterol? Can nutrition improve your condition? Do diseases like diabetes or heart disease run in your family? Have you gained weight? Are you not sure what type of food is best or if you should use dietary supplements? Would you benefit from a nutritionist’s advice?
Transitioning to healthier eating habits can be tough. Here are some tips to help: monitor your diet and make sure you’re eating enough fruits, vegetables, calcium, whole grains and high-fiber foods. Keep track of what you eat and drink each day to highlight any needed changes. Consider a dietitian’s help for personalized advice, especially if you have specific health concerns.
You should also try and cut out unhealthy fats. Swap fatty foods by baking, grilling, or broiling meat instead of frying it, or removing the skin from chicken or turkey. Try and include fish weekly. Cut down additional fats like butter or salad dressings by choosing low-fat alternatives. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Check food labels before buying anything and ask for help if they’re hard to read. Watch out for hidden fats and big portion sizes when eating out.
Staying hydrated is also essential. Opt for low-cal drinks like water or tea instead of sugary ones like sodas, sweetened milk, or sugary iced tea, which only add unnecessary calories.
A few key points:
Improving nutrition isn’t about quick fixes. It’s better to have a varied diet of whole foods.
Be careful of diet programs that promise too much – they might not be as great as they seem.
Set realistic dietary goals, whether it’s reducing unhealthy fats or making small diet changes. Prioritize your health – it’s a journey worth taking.
About the author:
Anamika Singh is a content marketer at Rotimatic. When she’s not busy taking care of her family or writing insightful articles on parenting, home appliances or cooking, you’ll find her whipping up tasty dishes in the kitchen or lost in a good book. She’s known for giving practical advice and handy tips to her readers.
