To stay hydrated, choose sugar-free drinks like juice or lower-fat, unsweetened milk. Carry reusable water bottles with you. Avoid overeating by eating smaller meals throughout the day. Carry easy-to-eat snacks in your purse or car, such as fruit and nuts. It may be helpful to take a healthy eating checkup, which can identify any unhealthy eating habits. Read on for more tips on maintaining a healthy diet.
Foods to include in a healthy diet
While many people think that eggs are high in cholesterol, they are actually among the healthiest foods in the world. Lean beef is another great source of protein and is packed with highly bioavailable iron. Fresh or frozen chicken breast is another excellent option that is low in fat and high in protein. Both are great sources of fiber, vitamins, and nutrients. And you can always add juice or dried fruit to your diet if you want to add a bit of sweetness to your meal.
Foods to avoid
In order to maintain optimum health, you should limit your intake of high-fat and processed foods. These foods are loaded with sodium, preservatives, and saturated fats. While occasional sausages and hot dogs are OK, eating them regularly can set you up for life-threatening illnesses. Instead, choose unsaturated fats such as avocado and coconut oil. Harvard’s nutrition scientists have come up with a list of foods to avoid.
Foods to replace bad fats with good fats
Many foods contain saturated fats, which are known as “bad fats.” These are present in a wide range of discretionary foods and commercial products, and increase blood LDL cholesterol levels. Foods rich in saturated fats include red meat, butter, cheese, and ice cream. Although these foods contain fat, they also contain other nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids. However, the health benefits of these fats may outweigh the risk of heart disease.
Carrots are a great source of vitamin A
Carrots are a good source of vitamin A and can be eaten raw or cooked. While eating raw carrots is better for your health, cooking them can increase the antioxidants. To increase absorption of the carotenoid-rich carrot, try to eat carrots with some fat. The tops of the carrot are also edible and are rich in vitamin A. For optimal vitamin A absorption, eat carrots with the skin on.
Avocados are a good source of monounsaturated fatty acids
Avocados are a rich source of monounsaturated fatty acid, which is beneficial for heart health. These fats play an important role in the regulation of cholesterol levels in the body, lowering LDL cholesterol and increasing HDL cholesterol. When the level of LDL cholesterol is high, plaque can form in arteries, preventing smooth blood flow. HDL cholesterol protects arteries.
Flavored soy milk is a healthy snack
For years, soy milk has been a popular plant-based beverage, but there are a few things to know before buying this snack. The best soy milk is unsweetened, which can be a healthier choice than sweetened varieties, which usually contain up to five grams of sugar per serving. Also, make sure to choose organic varieties, as many commercially-produced varieties are fortified with vitamins and minerals. In addition, choose unsweetened varieties as these contain no sugar or artificial flavors.
Watermelon is a great source of vitamin C
One medium slice of watermelon contains approximately nine to eleven percent of your daily requirement for vitamin A. This vitamin supports healthy eyesight. A recent study examined the beta-carotene content in five different types of watermelons, including those that are unripe with white flesh. Red watermelons, on the other hand, have the highest beta-carotene content. All parts of watermelon are healthy, but the white flesh near the rind contains the highest levels of the amino acid citrulline.
Nuts are a good source of protein
If you are vegan, you may be surprised to know that nuts are an excellent source of protein. They are among the most nutritious plant-based sources of protein. They are second only to seeds and specific foods like vital wheat gluten, and provide an excellent source of fiber. However, it is important to note that nuts do not provide a lot of protein for every 100 calories, so if you are aiming for a protein-rich diet, you should consider switching to vegetables or legumes.
Fish is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in many different types of food and are essential to our bodies. They play a key role in cell membranes, regulating the function of cell receptors and governing blood clotting, inflammation, and genetic function. Omega-3s are proven to lower risk of heart disease and stroke and have protective effects on other diseases and conditions. Fish contains these fats in high levels and are an excellent source of these nutrients.