You might have come across the phrase ‘you are what you eat’. Being mindful of what you eat, and choosing your foods wisely is one of the best ways to take care of yourself. Although you might be pretty good at choosing your meals, ChooseMyPlate is a wonderful tool to use to determine the amount of food and beverage you need in a sitting. Here are a few tips to help you get started.
1. Find Out What Nutrients Your Body Needs
Identifying what nutrients, you need in a day will make it easier to choose the right foods to keep you energized and healthy. Your nutritional information should be based on your weight, height, gender, age, and level of physical activity.
2. Learn To Appreciate And Enjoy Your Food
Learn to appreciate whatever food you are having. You can do this by chewing slowly and controlling how much you eat in a sitting. Having smaller portions of food through the day is recommended.
3. Make Your Bones Stronger
Be sure to include foods that promote stronger bone and teeth development. These include low-fat and fat-free milk, yogurt, cheese, and fortified soymilk. Adding some milk to your morning coffee will do too.
4. Ensure Half Of Your Plate Consists Of Veggies And Fruits
Fresh fruits and vegetables are an excellent source of minerals, vitamins, and dietary fiber, among other nutrients. Top up the plate with the kinds of broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and colored fruits.
5. Drink Lots Of Water
Water helps keep you hydrated throughout the day. Train yourself to drink at least 8 glasses of pure water for better health.
6. Include Whole Grains In Your Diet Plan
Whole grains (brown rice, bread, and whole-grain pasta) are an excellent source of dietary fiber. Try shopping at natural food stores. Having these is not only good for your digestive health but will also keep you feeling full for longer.
7. Learn To Read The Fine Print In Food Labels
Reading the fine print will enlighten you on the food’s nutritional content.
8. Cut Down On Fast Foods
Although they may seem yummy and irresistible, these foods are loaded with nasty fats and added sugars. Cutting down your intake of these, and especially ice cream, candies, cookies, cakes, hot dogs, bacon, and even ribs would be a wise decision.
9. Learn To Cook Your Meals
Takeout’s increase the risk of eating unhealthy foods. Some of these foods are loaded in solid fats, sugars, and salt. Preparing your own meals, or eating at home, however, gives you better control over what you can eat. You will find backed chicken is healthier and tastier than a deep-fried one from the restaurant.
10. Stay Active
Make it a habit of exercising for 30 minutes every day. Staying active helps burn all the extra calories you might have taken, as well as promote heart health. You can decide to do it yourself, or enlist a family member to go jogging with every day. Taking the long route to work might also help too.