Ready to get your health back on track? To help you get started, here are five nutrition pointers:
1. Eat whole foods
If you want to eat better, stick to whole foods and stay away from processed foods.
Khalilah Johnson, a registered dietitian nutritionist at Piedmont Fayette Hospital, says, “If you can’t read it, don’t eat it.” “Foods that have a lot of preservatives and chemicals usually have long lists of hard-to-pronounce ingredients.”
Eat whole grains, a lot of fruits and vegetables, and look for ways to make better choices instead of bad ones.
2. A healthy gut is a happy gut
Consume probiotic-rich foods, which can improve digestion and develop and maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria.
A big percentage of your immune system resides in your gut, so maintaining its health is crucial.
Probiotics are found in yogurt, kefir, kimchi, miso, sauerkraut, sourdough, and occasionally in dark chocolate.
3. Avoid sugary drinks
Soda, sports drinks, and even sweet tea can contain excessive amounts of sugar, calories, and sodium. Fruit juice does not provide the necessary fiber or minerals.
Ting Deng, a licensed dietician and nutritionist at Piedmont Fayette Hospital, advises, “Water is your best bet.” “Water contains no calories, no sugar, and no chemicals,” It can also help you feel full and promote healthy organ function.”
Aim to consume eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.
4. Eat the rainbow
Try a variety of fruits and vegetables, particularly those of various hues, to make the meal interesting. Add fruit to ice cream, yogurt, or smoothies if the notion of heaping it on your plate is unappealing. And if you do not enjoy vegetables, try grilling them or dipping them in a small bit of sauce.
5. Less is more
The size of portions is one of the greatest obstacles for Americans attempting to reduce weight. When dining out, immediately set aside half of your meal. This not only provides lunch or dinner for tomorrow, but it also prevents you from overeating today.
When consuming meals at home, utilize a smaller plate. On one side of your plate, place fruits and vegetables, and on the other half, place a whole grain and a protein.
Try recording your meals in a journal. Once you become aware of your caloric consumption, making smarter judgments becomes lot simpler.
