The key to a healthy body is nutrition. What you eat not only affects how much you weigh, but can impact your health in many ways. This article will provide you with some simple tips and tricks to make sure you are getting the nutrition you need for a healthy body.
If you had to pick one nutritional powerhouse food, easy to eat, liked by almost everyone, delicious, low in calories and high in vitamins, it would be berries of all kinds. Berries provide high amounts of fiber, few calories, wonderful flavor and brightness, as well as, prodigious amounts of vitamin C. Berries in season are a summer treat, but they can be had all year round in frozen form.
Put a lot of fiber in your diet. Foods with a lot of fiber in them such as nuts and whole-grains are great. Because the fiber takes a long time to break down in the body, you feel full for longer than with other foods. This way you won’t have cravings for junk food as often.
Everyone should have their vitamin D level checked at least once a year. If they are deficient their doctor can recommend a supplement to increase their level. Even though vitamin D is supplemented in milk, many people do not drink enough to get the amount they need. The other main source of vitamin D is from sunlight. Since people in northern countries have less sun exposure during the year they are especially prone to deficiency. Widespread sunscreen use has contributed to low levels of vitamin D also.
Eating as many fruits and vegetables as you can will boost your nutrition. They are filled with essential vitamins and minerals and will also help your immune system stay strong. Make sure to still eat your protein at meals, just try to eat a smaller amount and if you feel like snacking, pick up some carrot sticks.
Be aware of what you drink. Avoid any drinks that contain alcohol or sugar, replacing them with water, low-fat milk or tea. Sugary drinks are packed full of empty calories that add no nutritional value to your diet. Drinking one sugary drink a day can cause you to put on unnecessary weight, and increases your risk of developing high blood pressure.
A great nutrition tip is to invest in a blender. Blenders are great because you can mix a wide variety of foods into one simple beverage. You can throw in a handful of fruits, a scoop of protein powder, and some oats in a blender to create a fantastic and healthy shake.
A great nutrition tip is to be more aware of how much food you’re eating. If you eat your meals off of a large plate you’re probably consuming more calories than you should. An easy way to reduce your portion sizes is by serving your food on smaller dishes.
Salad is one of the best things that you can put into your body, and can limit the amount of fat that you consume. Instead of eating a hearty meal that is filled with calories and carbohydrates, eat a salad. This will go a long way in your quest for the perfect body.
Try to keep your snacks prepared and in a spot that you can easily get to them. When you buy your snacks, such as fruits and vegetables, cut them up and store them in containers. This will give your snack the convenience of a prepackaged snack. Instead of grabbing for a quick bag of chips, you will already have quick fruits and veggies on hand.
There is an old saying, “You are what you eat’. And it could not be more truthful. By being aware of what you are putting into your body and employing the simple tips discussed here, you will be well on your way to a happier and healthier life.
