5 Eating Habits to Help You Get Healthy
Fad diets are always changing, and they will likely always exist. However, these diets rarely ever get to the root of healthy eating and can actually be more harmful than helpful.
Why?
Diets are usually temporary changes in eating patterns and aren’t sustainable. However, there are ways you can change how you eat that are beneficial and can even help you gain strength.
With a little bit of willpower and an awareness of what you put in your body, you can alter your food habits without giving up all of the “bad” things you love. Many foods that people enjoy can be good for you if consumed in moderation and prepared properly. All you have to do is a little research.
Here are five eating habits to consider over the latest diet trend.
1 – Organic/Grass-Fed Meat and Poultry
If you aren’t a vegetarian or vegan, you may consume a lot of meat. Something you can do to make it healthier is consider your portions. Try to eat less meat – both for your own health and the environment.
However, when you do eat meat, look for organic and grass fed products. These contain less preservatives, but still give you the protein you’re looking for from meat. You can even buy organic and grass fed beef online, so it’s easy!
2 – Drink More Water
If you can drop sugary drinks, like sodas and some juices, then you’re off to a great start. If you don’t want to quit cold turkey, then try replacing some of your daily drinks with more water.
Water is one of the most important things you can put in your body. Hydration is key for many of your body’s processes, and you’ll feel so much better without everything else clogging it up.
3 – Cut Back on Dairy
You don’t have to completely eliminate dairy products from your diet, like milk and cheese, but try to only use low-fat versions. Too much dairy can lead to health complications and has been linked to increased risk for certain problems like heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s. There are also many dairy substitutes out there – it’s just a matter of finding out which ones you prefer.
4 – More Fruits and Veggies
Vegetables are a staple in any diet. Fruit is good too, but there are a lot of sugars in fruits. That’s why we recommend focusing on vegetables.
If you do eat fruits, try to make it a variety of different kinds, and eat at least 2 servings a day.
With vegetables, you should aim for 3 or more servings each day. Pay special attention to green, red, and orange vegetables, as they tend to have the most vitamins and be the most beneficial for you to eat.
5 – Moderate “Unhealthy” Intake
Foods that contain white flour, solid and trans fats, added sugars, and high sodium content are all considered unhealthy. It can be difficult to completely get rid of these foods but try to consume very little of them.
Instead of white bread, try whole grain bread. Look into healthy sugar alternatives and try to stay away from too many desserts. One sweet occasionally isn’t bad but be careful!
Conclusion
Maintaining a healthy diet isn’t about drastic temporary changes. It’s about finding a balance of what works for you and identifying healthy foods that you like.
It’s also important to remember that mistakes are okay. Everyone slips up, and you cannot beat yourself up or fall off the wagon for having a bowl of ice cream. You can only learn you’re your setbacks, and remember that moderation and research are the best ways to set yourself up for healthy eating.