Eating healthy is important for our overall wellbeing. Maintaining a balanced diet can help us to look and feel our best, as well as prevent serious illnesses.
But what exactly does it mean to eat healthy? What classifies a food as healthy?
Whole Foods: Whole foods are those which are minimally processed and haven’t been stripped of their natural nutrients. Eating foods that are in their most natural state is generally the healthiest option, as they tend to be high in fiber and other essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Examples of whole foods include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains such as quinoa and brown rice, nuts and seeds, legumes such as beans and lentils, and lean proteins such as eggs or fish.
Organic Foods: Organic foods are those grown without the use of synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. They also don’t contain any genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Eating organic can be beneficial because it reduces exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Organic produce is also often higher in nutrients than non-organic produce.
Plant-Based Foods: Plant-based diets focus on eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds instead of animal proteins like meat or dairy products. Plant-based diets have been linked to a variety of health benefits including lower rates of heart disease and diabetes. They can also help you lose weight more easily because they tend to be lower in calories than animal proteins.
Low-Fat Foods: Low-fat diets have long been recommended for maintaining a healthy weight. Low-fat foods are typically lower in calories than their full-fat counterparts but still provide essential vitamins and minerals. Low-fat options include lean meats such as chicken breast or turkey breast instead of fattier cuts like pork shoulder or beef ribeye.
Conclusion:
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated or restrictive – there are many different types of healthy choices out there! Eating whole foods that are minimally processed and organic when possible is a great way to start; filling your plate with nutrient-dense plant based options; opting for lean proteins; swapping full fat items for low fat alternatives; all these elements will contribute towards creating an overall balanced diet that is good for your body inside & out!