National Nutrition Month
Eating healthy is essential for maintaining a healthy body weight, preventing chronic diseases, and improving overall health and well-being. However, with so much conflicting information about what constitutes a healthy diet, it can be difficult to know where to start. Since May is National Nutrition Month, Neighbors Pharmacy has provided easy-to-follow tips for healthy eating that you can incorporate into your daily routine.
- Focus on Whole Foods
One of the most important things you can do for your health is to eat a diet rich in whole foods. These foods are minimally processed and contain no added sugars or artificial ingredients. Examples include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, nuts, and seeds. Eating a diet rich in whole foods will provide your body with essential nutrients that promote good overall health.
- Eat a Rainbow of Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet, as they contain a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that protect the body against disease. Aim to eat a rainbow of colors every day to get the most benefit. Think about the more colorful the plate, the healthier it is. This means choosing fruits and vegetables of different colors, such as red peppers, orange carrots, yellow squash, green spinach, blueberries, and purple grapes.
- Limit Processed Foods and Added Sugars
Processed foods containing added sugars are generally high in calories and low in nutrients. These foods have been linked to an increased risk of obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. To limit your intake, read food labels carefully and choose foods low in added sugars and other additives.
- Choose Healthy Fats
Not all fats are created equal. Some fats, such as saturated and trans fats, can increase your risk of heart disease and other health problems. However, healthy fats, like those found in nuts, seeds, avocados, and fatty fish, benefit heart health and help reduce inflammation. Aim to incorporate these types of healthy fats into your diet regularly.
- Don’t Skip Meals
Skipping meals can lead to overeating later on and can disrupt your metabolism. Aim to eat three balanced meals daily, along with healthy snacks, as needed. This will help keep your blood sugar levels stable and prevent overeating.
- Stay Hydrated
Drinking plenty of water is essential for good health. Water helps to keep the body hydrated, flushes out toxins, and supports healthy digestion. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water daily and avoid sugary drinks like soda and juice.
Eating a healthy diet doesn’t have to be complicated. You can support good health and well-being by focusing on whole foods, limiting processed foods and added sugars, choosing healthy fats, eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated, and not skipping meals. Remember, small changes can add up to significant results over time.
