Eating a variety of foods is crucial to a healthy lifestyle. Fruits, whole grains, lean meats, and other nutrient-dense foods are just a few of the healthy foods available today. You should also limit processed foods and sugar, and avoid saturated fats and trans fats in your diet. However, you should also include some carbohydrates in your diet, since they tend to increase your weight and contribute to diabetes and other chronic conditions.
Fruits
Most fruits are healthy, but you must pay attention to which types you eat and the quantity you consume. Consuming too much of a particular food is not good for your health. Aim for moderate fruit consumption, but do not overdo it. HealthShots spoke to Hari Lakshmi, dietitian at Motherhood Hospital, to find out the dangers of too much fruit consumption. Her advice? Eat fruits in moderation, but don’t go overboard!
Whole grains
There’s a lot of hype about the benefits of whole grains. However, few people actually understand exactly what these benefits are. To put it simply, whole grains are cereal grains that retain the germ, bran, and endosperm. Refined grains are stripped of these nutrients, but still retain the endosperm. Here’s why eating whole grains is important for your health. It’s also important to keep in mind that whole grains are much higher in fiber.
Lean meats
While it is often thought that meat isn’t good for you, meat is actually very healthy for you, especially lean meat. Not only are they low in fat, but they are also good sources of protein and essential amino acids. The benefits of lean meat extend beyond their healthfulness. When eaten in proportionate portions, these meats can be a great source of protein and vitamins. Here are a few reasons why you should consume lean meat regularly.
Nutrient-dense foods
A great place to start your quest to eat more nutrient-dense foods is in your kitchen. Healthy foods are low in calories, have plenty of fiber, and contain few or no additives. They also tend to be filling and not easy to overeat. According to Michael Pollan, author of The Omnivore’s Dilemma, there are over 80,000 different plant foods that we can eat, but 60 percent of them come from just four industrialized crops.
Low-calorie drinks
Among the best drinks for lowering your calorie intake are alcoholic beverages. Although they are often regarded as a health food, alcohol is not a magical potion that makes you lose weight. Alcohol is a liberator of deep secrets and cheerleader of sexy moves, but its calories can also ruin your weight loss efforts. So, here are a few drinks to make your night on the town less harmful.