healthy eating habitsHealthy eating is key to a healthier body and mind. It does not necessarily mean that you have to stay really thin or deprive yourself of your favorite foods.

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It is actually eating the right food that will help you stay healthy and strong. Not only will it help you look better but it will also make you feel younger with a spring in your step.

Developing healthy eating habits will definitely make your immune system stronger, which will help you avoid getting sick.

Here are some tips and guidelines for maintaining a healthy diet:

Eat Plenty of Whole Grains
Drink Lots of Fluids
Eat A Variety of Healthy Foods
Cook Healthy
Eat in Moderation
Listen To Your Body
Do Not Skip Your Meals
Watch Your Sugar Intake
Do Not Buy Junk Food
Choose Restaurants Wisely

1. Eat plenty of whole grains.

Adding whole grains to your diet has a lot of health benefits, which include:

  • Helping reduce the risk of coronary heart disease
  • Helping reduce blood cholesterol level
  • Better weight management
  • Healthier blood pressure level
  • Reduced risk of diabetes

2. Drink lots of fluids, preferably water.

Remember, your body needs water to stay healthy.

3. Eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods.

This is the best way to get all the vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy. No single food can supply all the nutrients that our body needs. That’s why it is very important to be smart about your daily food selection. Please refer to the food pyramid for daily food nutritional recommendations.

4. Cook healthy.

Instead of deep frying, try to grill, bake, boil or stir-fry. These are healthier ways to cook your food. Also, be sure to use only healthy and nutritious ingredients. Select fresh, quality products as they provide higher amounts of nutrients. Tip: To stretch you food dollar, it is advisable to buy fruits and vegetables that are in season.

5. Eat in Moderation.

It will be easier to maintain your weight and stay healthy if you keep your portions small. This will help you enjoy the benefits of eating healthy and still enjoy the foods you love. Remember, everything should be in moderation. Tip: When dining out, you do not need to finish your food all the time. You can always take the leftover home.

6. Listen to your body.

This is simple. Eat when you are hungry and stop when you are full. Eating slowly will help you determine whether you have had enough or not. It usually takes a few minutes for your brain to let you know you are full. That’s why it’s better to slow down so you can enjoy your food even more!

7. Do not skip your meals.

Experts agree that eating 3 nutritious meals and snacking in between is important in staying healthy. It will also help you in maintaining your weight. Most often than not, when you skip your meal, you will have a tendency to overeat during your next meal. Tip: Healthy snacking helps curb hunger.

8. Watch your sugar-intake.

If you have a sweet tooth, as most of us do, be sure to eat desserts in moderation as it contains lots and lots of sugar. It’s okay to indulge on these foods once in a while because total deprivation will only make your cravings more intense.

9. Do not buy junk food.

Junk food is convenient, cheap but not good for your health as most of it is high in sugar, fat and sodium. If you want to eat healthy, avoid eating junk food. Buy fruits and other nutritious snacks instead like, fruits, whole wheat crackers, yogurt, etc. Chances are, if you have it in your pantry, you will eat it.

10. Choose restaurants wisely.

If you decide to dine-out with friends and family, be sure to pick a restaurant that offers a variety of foods and healthier options. Tip: Avoid going to all-you-can-eat or buffet places, otherwise, you will be tempted to overeat.

 

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Kate Allado, Senior Care ExpertAbout the Author: Catharine D. Allado is a Senior Care Expert and the COO of SeniorCareHomes.com – A trusted and comprehensive online directory of Senior Care Homes such as Assisted Living, Nursing Homes and other types of Senior Housing in California, Florida, New York, Arizona and the rest of the United States. SeniorCareHomes.com also provides FREE Assisted Living options to help seniors and families find the best Senior Housing on the planet!

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