You are what you eat, so if you eat healthier, you will be healthier! Reducing the amount of fat you eat is one way to eat better, but it’s not the only way. Try to eat a wide variety of fresh foods each day, avoid processed foods and check your consumption of carbohydrates, proteins and fruit and vegetables. Here are three simple ways you can improve your diet.
Choose healthy carbohydrates for filling power
Carbohydrates are not Public Enemy Number One, as some people would have you believe. If you choose wisely, carbohydrates can be a great addition to your diet. They provide energy as well as B vitamins and calcium, iron and fibre. Carbohydrates help to keep you feeling fuller for longer too, so they are helpful if you are trying to lose weight.
Go for wholegrain carbohydrates such as wholemeal bread and pasta and brown rice, rather than refined, heavily processed carbs like white bread, cakes and biscuits. Potatoes are great as long as you don’t cook them in fat, and you should eat the skins to get the full fibre benefits.
Choose the right protein foods
Protein is necessary for every cell in the body, because it’s essential for repair and renewal. However, it’s too easy to eat more meat than you need. Remember that most protein contains saturated fat, so choose your protein sources carefully.
Good sources of protein are milk and hard cheese, red meat, poultry and fish, as well as peas, beans and lentils. Choose lean sources of protein, so that you don’t take in too much fat. Poultry, fish and eggs are good low-fat protein options.
Fill up on fruit and vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are highly nutritious, and add very few calories to your daily total. They are packed with vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants which help to protect against some cancers, diabetes and heart disease.
Fruits and vegetables are generally fat free, and if you choose seasonal produce, the vitamin and nutrient content is at its peak. Forget about recommended daily allowances – fill up on as much fruit and vegetables as you can manage.
These three simple strategies – eating complex carbohydrates, making the right protein choices and filling up on fruit and vegetables – will automatically improve your diet. You will feel better, look better, and even lose those extra pounds that have been hanging around for a while. Maybe it’s time to improve your diet, and see what health benefits it brings.
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