Eating healthily is not about endless depressing restrictions, trying to get uncomfortably slim or never allowing yourself the foods you really enjoy. Rather, it should mean feeling better, having increased energy, having better health and having a better mood.
Eating healthily need not be a minefield. It can feel overwhelming to see all the conflicting advice out there. It seems that each time an expert states that a certain food is good for you, another one will say just the opposite. It is overall patterns of your eating that is of most importance. The basics of a healthier diet should include switching out processed foods with natural foods whenever possible. Good advice to follow is to choose foods that are closest to how they appear in nature and this can make a huge impact on the way you look and feel.
What are the fundamentals of healthy eating?
Many fad diets might suggest otherwise, but we all need a balance of fat, protein, fibre, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals in our diet to remain healthy. You shouldn’t feel the need to totally get rid of certain categories of food, unless you choose to go meat-free, for example but pick healthier options from a wide range of food groups.
For those following a plant-based diet, you might be worried about getting enough protein. Protein provides the energy and power to get going and supports cognitive function. That does not mean you have to eat more animal products as a variety of vegetable sources of protein every day can ensure that your body gets all the essential proteins needed. For a protein-packed supplement, consider gelatinized maca powder from https://www.vivolife.com/blogs/news/a-big-maca-mistake-gelatinzed-vs-raw-maca-powder
More than 50% of adults in the UK are obese or overweight and now childhood obesity is a growing concern. It is important to only eat as many calories as your body needs and this is how to maintain a healthy weight. It’s essential to think about calorie intake in terms of energy output.
A good idea is to ask yourself some important questions about what you eat –
Do you eat 5 a day portions of fruit and vegetables?
Do you include 2 portions of fish in your weekly meals?
Are you getting enough fibre?
Are you eating less than 6g of salt each day?
Do you meet the daily recommendations for saturated fat and sugar?
If you have answered no to any of the above questions, it might be time to take stock of your diet and lifestyle and see where improvements can be made.
A healthy diet can fight against the awful effects of malnutrition, as well as many types of diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Eating unhealthily and not getting adequate exercise are huge global risks.
As modern society races ever onwards, the production of processed goods, changing lifestyles and increasing urbanisation means that dietary patterns are evolving. People find themselves too busy to prepare freshly made healthy dishes, but it doesn’t have to be difficult with a little pre-planning.
