Most people need to eat healthier, and in the United States, the standard diet leaves a lot to be desired. Fast food, processed food, food coloring and flavoring, GMO crops, and pesticides dominate how people eat and live. And the health statistics are staggering. Diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and cholesterol are so prevalent that it’s scary. People need to get back to healthy and Wholesome foods and back to Optimal nutrition.
There are many steps to take that will get you to optimal healthy eating by making it a lifestyle and not just some fad diet. Here are some steps you could choose for optimal nutrition.
Eat A Healthy Breakfast
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, one knows that, but many people skip this important meal of the day. But don’t just grab anything. Filling up on sugar and carbs is not the answer. Skip the Pop-Tarts, waffles, and sugar-laden cereals. Even the so-called healthy cereals have all this in it too. Instead, eat an egg. Eggs are the perfect food, high in protein, oats, and loaded with all the nutrients. It only takes 5 to 10 minutes to cook a healthy breakfast. Add fruit to the meal to make it perfect.
Stop Drinking Soda And Sugar Filled Drinks
Sugar is very harmful to the body. It has empty calories that the body converts it to fat. You might be drinking gallons of sweet drinks a week without even realizing it. Your brain does not get the signal that you are full, so you drink more of it before you get a full feeling. Fruit juice contains just as much sugar, and you should avoid that too. Sugar is the most fattening part of the American diet. Instead, drink water or green tea sweetened with stevia.
Replace Refined Carbs With Healthier Options
Refined carbs are as unhealthy as sugar. Super low in nutrients and fiber. Our wheat is less nutritious than it used to be. You will eat more of it before you get full, and the body converts it to fat. One reason is it’s low in stomach-filling fiber. Instead, eat healthy carbs like vegetables, grains, legumes.
Eat More Protein
Protein is filling and gives the body the amino acids and other nutrients it needs. Choose lean cut the Meat and Fish. Fish is loaded with omega-3, which nourishes and protects the body, especially the brain. Have fish at least two times a week.
Watch Your Carbs
You shouldn’t totally cut carbs from your diet. The optimal level depends on your metabolism, activity level, and preference. Someone who is active may eat more carbs while someone who is overweight should eat a low-carb diet.
Replace Unhealthy Oils With Healthy Oils
Americans eat a lot of fat, and it’s an unhealthy kind of trans fats and refined vegetable oils. Never eat anything that says hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated. Even vegetable oils are high in unhealthy fat. Replace these with coconut oil, olive oil, and avocado. Whole nuts and seeds also contain healthy fats and should be included in your diet.
Drink More Water
Water is vital to hydrate your body and to cleanse out of toxins and waste. Most people do not drink nearly enough water as they should. People should get at least 6-8 glasses of water a day. If you live in a hot climate or you are out in the sun, then you will need more. By the time you feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated. Water will also help you eat less as it will fill your stomach. Drinking a glass of water before a meal can cut down on the amount of food that you eat.
Take a Supplement or Supplements
We can not get all the nutrients we need in our diet alone. Food now is not as nutritious as it once was years ago. Poor soil conditions and overuse has depleted the soil of essential nutrients. Currently, our food does not have the nutrients it once had. Plus, even a super healthy diet doesn’t give you the amount you need for optimal health. Find a quality multi-vitamin and mineral to start and explore other supplements based on your own diet and health.
It’s not hard to eat a healthy diet, you just need to know what to eat and replace unhealthy foods with healthy foods, and you will be on your way to a healthy diet and a healthy lifestyle. Try these tips today, and they will help you to have optimal health and optimum nutrition.
