The foods you eat have a profound effect on how you feel. A diet high in processed foods and sugar can leave you feeling tired, lethargic, and moody. Making better food choices can give you more energy, improve your mood, and contribute to better wellness. If you are ready to analyze your current diet and make new choices with your health in mind, read on for some tips.
Choose Organic When Possible
It’s not just about the food groups that you choose. There is a big difference in the quality of foods available. Not even all fresh produce is equal. Some fruits and vegetables contain high levels of toxins from the chemicals and fertilizers used in the growing process. These may keep pests away and lead to greater crop yields, but they have potential side effects on your health. Poor soil quality and growing practices can also reduce the number of nutrients in your food. Whenever possible, purchase organic foods to get a higher concentration of micronutrients essential for health.
Know Where Your Food Comes From
Knowing where your food comes from is a big step to understanding how safe and nutritious it is. Mass-produced food is often subject to less-than-ideal growing and processing conditions that decrease its nutritional value and add toxins. Buy local when you can. This is an excellent way to support your local farmers and other businesses. You can also ask questions regarding how the food is produced so you know what you are getting.
Opt for Plenty of Fresh and Colorful Foods
A solid rule to follow when it comes to produce is to opt for a rainbow of colors. Leafy greens are a dietary staple for clean eating, but there are plenty of other healthy options as well. Selecting a wide variety of foods ensures you get the full range of vitamins and minerals required by your body.
Limit Processed Foods
So many of today’s foods are pre-packaged for greater convenience. Saving time when you are exhausted from a long day of work sounds appealing at first, however, you might just be sacrificing quality and nutrition for the privilege of that convenience.
Overly processed foods lack nutrients and are typically full of preservatives, salt, and sugar. Eating meals made up of these foods could fit your schedule and leave you temporarily satisfied, but you end up missing out on getting the key vitamins and minerals you require.
Don’t Get Calories from Beverages
Coffee drinks, juice cocktails, and sodas are everywhere. They may taste good, but they are filled with empty calories that can expand your waist and leave you struggling with an energy crash hours after consumption.
Steer clear of sugar-laden beverages and reach for healthier choices like water and tea. If you become bored by plain water, switch it up with a flavored seltzer or add some lemon or cucumber for flavor. Becoming more mindful of your drink choices is an easy way to reduce your calorie intake and make healthier decisions.
Read the Labels
When you decide to put your health and wellness first, you need to start reading the labels on your food selections. Many products, especially processed foods, contain hidden ingredients you might not even know you are consuming. If you begin to follow a better diet, you need to know what is in your food. Reading labels is the easiest way to do this.
Prepare Your Own Meals
Even when you become vigilant with your food choices, read every label, and do your best to select the healthiest options out there, pre-made foods fall short when it comes to nutrition. Prepare your own meals to select high-quality ingredients, control what goes into your food, and create meals that are both healthy and delicious. Cooking for yourself just once or twice a week makes a difference. As you become more confident in the kitchen, you can create a rotation of satisfying meals that you look forward to making.
Eating well is a great way to improve your wellness. Start making mindful food choices and discover for yourself the different high-quality foods make. You might be surprised by how quickly you notice a positive change.
