The kind of food you eat every day has an big impact on your health, the way you feel and your lifestyle. Good nutrition has a significant role in allowing you to lead a healthy lifestyle.
When healthy eating is part of your everyday routine, coupled with good exercise, you can reach a healthy weight and maintain it; while minimising your risk of persistent and long-lasting conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes
To create and maintain healthy eating habits does not have to be difficult. Start by making small changes in your daily habits and the impact that you can make will be noticeable and long lasting.
Here is a list of 10 foods that can help you start your healthy eating lifestyle:
Eat well – live well – be well.
- Fruits and vegetables
Choose red, dark green, orange and other vegetables for your meals. Add fruits as your side dish or dessert or part of your main meal.
- Whole grains
Eat whole wheat bread, instead of white bread. Look for whole wheat, brown rice, wild rice, bulgur, buckwheat, quinoa, oatmeal and rolled oats.
- Fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk
Both fat-free and low-fat milk have the same amount of calcium and other nutrients as whole milk, but less saturated fats and calories. Almond milk is also a great alternative; it has all the calcium without the fat.
4. Lean protein foods
Lean cuts of beef mean it’s 90% lean, such as chicken and turkey breasts. Also included in the protein group are meat, poultry, dry beans, peas, nuts, seeds, eggs etc.
- Foods that are low in sodium
Consume lower versions of foods like breads, soups and frozen meals. Look for labels such as Low sodium, No Salt Added or Reduced Sodium.
6. Water
Drinking water is a must, to cut back on calories from sugary drinks. Water keeps you hydrated, especially when you’re working out.
7. Seafood
Seafood is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, good for the heart – salmon, tuna, trout, crabs, oysters and mussels.
8. Sweet Potatoes
Provide dietary fibres, potassium, Vitamins A, C, and B6.
9. Greek Yoghurt
Great if you follow a low-carb diet or you are lactose tolerant.
10. Beans and Legumes
While these small fruits and seeds are underappreciated, they are packed with nutrients.
eat better – not less.
