It is immensely important to lead a healthy and balanced lifestyle for physical and mental well-being. Incorporating more nutrition into your diet is one way to do this. Here are 7 simple ways you can do this without feeling like you’re in strict diet mode:
1. Begin Your Day with a Smoothie
A smoothie made with fresh fruits, vegetables and nuts is packed with protein, vitamins and minerals. It is a great way to kickstart your metabolism and start the day with a healthy dose of nutrition.
2. Make Soup a Regular at Lunch
Soups are great for adding a variety of veggies to your diet. They’re easy to make and store, making them a great snack/lunch option.
3. Incorporate Grains
Grains are a great source of fiber and other essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron and zinc. Try including quinoa, buckwheat, brown rice and barley in your diet for a nutritious boost.
4. Eat Wholegrains For Breakfast
Wholegrains such as oatmeal, muesli and whole wheat toast are all good sources of nutrition. They help keep you full, thus reducing the need to snack in between meals.
5. Add Vegetables To Everything
Adding vegetables to meals not only adds nutrition but also extra flavor. Finding ways to include them like thawing frozen spinach or adding carrot juice to smoothies are great methods to get the necessary daily intake of vegetables.
6. Add Protein
Protein plays an important role when it comes to a balanced diet. Many sources of protein such as eggs, chicken and fish are easy to include in daily meals.
7. Ditch the Refined Sugars and Foods
Refined sugars and processed foods are low in nutritional value and should be avoided altogether. If you’re craving something sweet, opt for some dark chocolate or fruits.
These 7 simple methods will certainly help you incorporate more nutrition into your diet without strict dieting. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring and time-consuming, so try these simple tips and start leading a more balanced lifestyle.
What are the benefits of incorporating more nutrition into your diet?
1. Improved Overall Health: Eating a nutritionally balanced diet provides your body with the vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients it needs to function optimally. This can lead to improved physical and mental health as well as a decreased risk for developing chronic diseases.
2. Weight Control: Consuming a healthy, balanced diet can help you maintain a healthy weight by providing your body with the energy and nutrients it needs to burn calories more efficiently.
3. Increased Energy: Eating a balanced diet full of nutrient-rich foods can give you an energy boost as your body absorbs and metabolizes the nutrients in its food.
4. Improved Brain Function: Eating a healthy diet can improve your mental clarity and help you keep your focus, as certain vitamins and minerals – such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, and iron – support healthy brain function.
5. Reduced Risk for Disease: Eating a nutrient-rich diet can reduce the risk for certain diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. Eating a diet rich in antioxidants, for example, has been linked to a lowered risk for cancer.
6. Improved Mental Health: Eating a balanced diet can also help promote positive mental health, as certain vitamins and minerals – such as tryptophan, folate, and B vitamins – play a role in helping you manage stress, feeling calm, and having a better outlook overall.
What foods should I eat to improve my nutrition?
1. Vegetables: kale, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, asparagus, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, squash, carrots.
2. Fruits: apples, oranges, pears, berries, bananas, melons, pineapple, papaya, kiwi.
3. Whole grains: oats, quinoa, brown rice, barley, whole-wheat bread, wheat berries.
4. Healthy fats: avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, nuts and seeds.
5. Lean proteins: beans, legumes, tofu, tempeh, lean meats, poultry, fish.
6. Dairy: low-fat yogurt, cheese, and milk.
7. Herbs, spices and seasonings: basil, oregano, paprika, garlic, onion, cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, rosemary.
What foods should I avoid to improve my nutrition?
You should avoid processed and refined foods, such as white bread, refined grains, and processed snacks and meals. Avoid sugary drinks, such as sodas and energy drinks. Avoid processed meats, such as hot dogs and bacon. Avoid foods high in saturated fat, such as processed cheeses and most fast foods. Limit your intake of red meat, processed dairy products, fried foods, and heavily salted foods. Reduce your sodium intake, and avoid sugary snacks or desserts.
What foods are high in saturated fats?
Highly saturated fat foods include butter, full-fat milk, cream, lard, fatty cuts of beef, lamb and pork, chicken skin, bacon, duck fat, palm oil, and coconut oil.
What foods contain the most saturated fats?
Foods that contain the most saturated fat include full-fat dairy products like cream, cheese, and whole milk, fatty cuts of red meat, coconut oil, butter, and processed baked goods.
