Nutrition – guidelines to a healthier lifestyle
Follow the tips and boost your health
Nutrition basics, a proper diet, healthy eating habits and daily exercise programs are essential for a healthy lifestyle change.
If you consider a diet that leads to an improved life-quality, you should aim for a balanced one that includes natural accessible various foods from the major food groups that will provide essential nutrients (dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean proteins including beans, nuts and seeds), fits your food preferences and available budget.
To begin with, lower calorie intake, prepare smaller meals, 3-5 times per day. Eat slowly for an improved digestion. Replace unhealthy “treats” with healthy snacks that are easily available (fruits and vegetables). Choose low-fat dairy products, leaner meats and foods prepared with little or no fat. Limit the use of extra-fat like butter, margarine and oil. Cut down on salt, sugar, caffeine and alcohol. Avoid buffets and remember to drink plenty of water for proper hydration.
If you are not hungry, don’t eat. Always stop eating before you’re full. Have an active social life, to limit emotional eating. Find your motivation and have a positive mind-set.
Change your shopping strategy
Shop for healthy ingredients, whole-grains, low fat or fat-free products. Your shopping habits should focus on fresh, unprocessed foods. Stop considering snack foods and sweets as options for healthy menus. Also, during the growing season, check out the farmers market more often.
Healthy cooking
Adopt quick and healthy cooking skills techniques. Search for diet-friendly recipes on-line or in various cookbooks. Learn food-safety tips, recipe makeovers and other related tricks.
Dietary supplements
Supplements are meant to complement a healthy diet, never to replace it. Dietary supplements may help in providing one or more desired nutrients. For underlying medical conditions or if you simply don’t eat enough healthy foods or variety of foods you should consider using a nutritional supplement that will help you limit nutritional deficiencies.
Ask your dietitian about nutritional supplements that might best suit your needs and also about possible side effects. Note that dietary supplements also come in a dosage and have a specific administration routine. Quality of the main ingredients and active principles is an important factor for superior effects.
Search for personalized advice with your nutritionist doctor or dietitian. A personalized program according to health status, lifestyle and food preferences is a must for people that want to enjoy the benefits of healthy living and also manage their weight.
