HEALTHY HABITS FOR A HAPPIER LIFE: EATING RIGHT

Raise your hand if you are guilty of not always following healthy eating habits. Really??? Because I have both of my hands raised.

I have good intentions. No, make that I have great intentions, but I live alone, I'm tired of cooking, and sometimes I'm just tired period.

However, I know how important a healthy diet is to not only our physical well-being but also to our mental well-being.

A healthy diet helps to protect us against non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. 

A healthy diet, along with exercise, helps to keep us at a healthy weight.

A Healthy Adult Diet

I found the following recommendations from The World Health Organization.

1) Eating five portions of fruits and vegetables each day helps to ensure that we are getting an adequate intake of dietary fiber. 

Eating fresh fruits and vegetables that are in season is optimal, but let's face it we don't always have access to fresh and with Covid I many of us have cut down on the number of times we grocery shop each month.

If you can't get fresh, frozen is the next best. Drop some frozen fruit with some oat milk into your blender and yum, you have a delicious and nutritious smoothie.

2) Fat (I hate that word) consumption should be limited to less than 30%  of your total energy intake. Saturated fats and trans-fats should be replaced with polyunsaturated fats. 

Yes, I know how good your mom's biscuits made with lard tasted, but I am telling you to put that recipe somewhere where you (actually me) can't find it.

3) I hate to rain on your parade, but it is also time to put away the salt shaker. I actually did this a long time ago. (pats self on back). Sodium doesn't just come from salt though, it is also found in processed foods, cheese, and bread. Uh oh, I do love cheese and bread. 

Did you know that high sodium intake along with insufficient potassium intake increases the risk of high blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk for heart disease and strokes?

4) The next culprit on our list is sugar. SIGH!!! But, but, but it tastes so good. Adults and children should reduce their consumption of free sugars to less than 10% of their daily energy intake, and less than 5% is even better. 

Your teeth and your body will thank you. 

Sticking To A Healthy Diet

This is probably the hardest part. Even with the best of intentions sticking to a healthy diet can be challenging. 

1) What are your expectations? It's important that your expectations are realistic or your plan may backfire. Setting a realistic goal will help to keep you from getting discouraged.

2) What is it that motivates you? Are you motivated to eat healthier because you want to lose some weight, feel healthier, or a combination of both? 

3) Don't bring unhealthy foods into your home. If they aren't readily available you won't eat them. 

4) Don't beat yourself up if you backslide. We are all human and changing eating habits can be hard. 

I know how much better I feel when I eat healthier and feeling better always makes me happier.

Read more Healthy Habits For A Happier Life

Healthy Eating Cookbooks

The Well Plated Cookbook

Whole Food Plant-Based Cookbook

The Complete Clean Eating Cookbook

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