For good health and nutrition, you need a well-balanced diet. Eating well protects you from a variety of conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. A healthy diet means eating a variety of foods and eating less salt, sugar, saturated fats, and trans fats. The more colorful the food on your plate is, the better is it for you.
You may wonder what a well-balanced diet looks like. The National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute states it’s important to focus on foods such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. You can also eat lean meats such as poultry and fish. Eggs and nuts are excellent sources of nutrition as well.
When you consider all the ways a healthy diet can benefit you, you understand why it’s so important. For instance, the Centers for Disease Control states that the number one reason for adult death in the United States is heart disease. To maintain a heart-healthy diet, it is important to pay attention to portion controls, eat fruit and vegetables high in fiber, and choose low carbohydrate sources. Low carb sources simply mean you are choosing grilled chicken over breaded chicken. These are just a few steps that will help you lower your chances of heart disease.
If you are suffering from diabetes, or pre-diabetes, like one in three American adults, it’s more important than ever to get your diet under control. Like the heart-healthy diet, you should maintain portion control. Those suffering from pre-diabetes should also eat a balanced diet rich in high-fiber foods, drink your recommended daily amount of water, and cut out sugary foods and drinks. Exercising regularly, even if it’s just ten minutes a day to start, will increase your potential for a healthy life.
There is no way to eliminate the risk of cancer, but you can eat a diet that may help you prevent cancer. Much like the other diets listed, you want to focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, decrease carbohydrates and sugars, and keep active. Making small changes every day can help you get to the diet you need to keep you healthy and active for a long time.
As you prepare to change your diet to a balanced diet, give yourself time to plan. You cannot change your diet overnight. Trying this will only cause you to fail. It’s important to be prepared with healthy snacks. This is especially important if you work out of the home or you are always on the run. It’s too easy to go through a fast-food joint during your lunch break because you’re in a hurry. Having healthy options with you will help you keep on track.
Last but not least, be patient. You might not run a mile the first time out, but you can walk for five minutes. Strive to eat healthily for one meal each day for a couple of weeks, then add in a second healthy meal or snack. Before you know it, you will have increased your physical stamina and the number of healthy foods you are eating.
Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322268#heart-health
https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/the-anticancer-diet
