Eating healthy food is a key factor of living a healthy lifestyle. With the right diet, you can reduce your risk of certain diseases and maintain a healthy weight.
Eating well also gives you more energy, improves your mood, and helps you to focus on daily tasks. The types of food that are considered to be healthy depend on your individual needs, but there are some general guidelines that can help you make better choices.
Fruit: Fruit is an essential part of any balanced diet as it provides essential vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Fresh or frozen fruit is best as it has the most nutrients; however, canned fruit in natural juice is also an acceptable alternative. Avoid canned fruits in syrup as they contain added sugar.
Vegetables: Vegetables are a great source of vitamins, minerals and fiber. Choose fresh or frozen vegetables whenever possible; canned vegetables are often high in sodium so check the labels carefully before purchasing. Try to eat a variety of colors as different vegetables have different nutrients.
Whole Grains: Whole grains are an excellent source of fiber and other important nutrients such as B-vitamins and iron. Choose whole-grain breads, cereals, rice and pastas over their refined counterparts. Whole grains take longer to digest which helps keep you full longer after eating them compared to refined carbs which can cause spikes in blood sugar levels.
Protein: Protein is essential for building muscle and keeping your body functioning properly. Good sources of protein include lean meats such as chicken and turkey, fish, eggs and legumes such as beans and lentils. Plant-based proteins are becoming increasingly popular as they provide many health benefits without the saturated fat found in animal proteins; however, if you choose plant-based proteins make sure to get adequate amounts of all essential amino acids for proper nutrition.
Healthy Fats: Healthy fats such as olive oil, nuts/seeds and avocados provide essential fatty acids that our bodies need for normal function but can’t produce on their own so we must obtain them from our diets. Healthy fats also help us absorb certain vitamins like A, D & E which helps support overall health.
Conclusion: Eating healthy food is an important part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The types of food that are considered to be healthy include fresh or frozen fruit & vegetables; whole grains; lean proteins such as meat & eggs; legumes & plant-based proteins; and healthy fats like olive oil & nuts/seeds.