Do you often feel sluggish or tired for no reason at all? Well one of the reasons may be due to your diet and what you are putting into your body. Our bodies are like cars that needs fuel to run. Your body is a machine and if you put nothing but junk in it, you can't expect to feel your best. Our bodies need water, nutrition and exercise to function properly. Eating better can sometimes be a challenge especially if your used to living to eat and not eating to live. One way to start your journey to better eating is to start thinking about what it is your putting into your body. Start training yourself to think if what you are eating will provide any nutritional benefits. Once you become aware about what you are eating, it will become easier to select better food choices. Your body needs fruits, grains, nuts, protein, vegetables, and water to function properly. These will help to keep you feeling good from the inside out. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables will help repair cells and give your body the nutrition it needs to stay healthy. It will also help your body to fight off various disease and illness by boosting your immune system. Lets take a look at some healthier choices.
Foods to AVOID eating
Avoid fatty meats
This consist of beef , pork , lamb, dark chicken pieces and skin. High fat dairy foods such as milk, butter , cheese, sour cream and ice cream. If you choose to eat these foods try baking or grilling meats instead of frying. Also remember to remove the skin. When eating dairy, choose low fat items if possible to minimize taking in high fat foods.
Other items to avoid
Sweets, soda, candy, baked goods, items high in trans fat, and high saturated fats. Fast foods, fried foods, Only drink alcohol or coffee in moderation. A glass of wine or decaf coffee are better options.
Good alternatives to add
Better choice meats
Salmon, baked or grilled fish various types. More options are mackerel, lean chops without skin, skinless chicken breast, also shrimp and steak can be enjoyed in moderation. Choosing turkey, ground chicken or ground turkey, canned fish such as sardines are better picks.
Fruits, veggies, seeds, nuts and grains
Fruits
Good fruit choices are berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, black berries and cranberries. Other fruits choices are oranges, watermelon, pineapple, grapes, lemons, pomegranate, bananas and tomatoes.
Vegetables
When eating vegetables, try picking dark leafy green veggies such as spinach, greens, kale, or cabbage, lettuce and avocados. These are full of vitamins, minerals and fiber that helps to ward off health conditions like heart disease and high blood pressure. Any vegetable is good for the body so enjoy as many as you like raw, baked or saute in a good low fat oil.
Seeds, nuts and grains
Nuts, seeds and grains are good for providing energy, fiber and aiding in weight loss. Some good choices include walnuts, almonds, pistachios, cashews, and peanuts. Flax seed, chia and hemp seeds are also good sources of fiber. Eating oats and grains like oatmeal, cream of wheat or quinoa are incredibly delicious and good for your health.They are full of antioxidants and helps control cholesterol, blood sugar levels and is great for overall health.
Alternative beverages
Water, water, water is always the best choice but very few people enjoy drinking water all day. Many people have come to enjoy fruit infused water which is really good for increasing your metabolism, energy levels and helping to detox your body. Some good options enjoyed in moderation are: Decaf green tea, fresh squeezed lemonade sweetened with raw honey, unsweetened cranberry juice, freshly squeezed orange juice, and pomegranate juice.
Overall, replacing bad food choices with healthier alternatives will give your body the proper nutrition it needs to stay healthy, fight off sickness, obesity and major health problems.