What is healthy diet?

 

Healthy eating isn't just about counting calories or dieting - it's also about making positive lifestyle choices. Eating healthily means feeling great, having more energy and keeping yourself in the best possible shape. Eating a balanced diet is an important part of this process, and it's not as hard as it sounds! 

At first glance, nutrition and dietary advice can seem overwhelming and contradicting, with different sources offering different opinions on what foods are 'good' or 'bad'. However, while certain foods may have positive effects on mood or mental health, overall dietary patterns have the most impact. Eating a balanced diet should include:

1. Eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables every day - try to eat a variety of colours for optimal benefits;

2. Choosing lean proteins like fish, poultry and beans;

3. Replacing unhealthy fats (like trans fats) with healthier fats such as nuts and olive oil;

4. Limiting your consumption of processed carbohydrates like white bread, pasta and rice; 

5. Including whole grains like brown rice, quinoa and oats in your meals; 

6. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day; 

7. Limiting your intake of sugary drinks and snacks high in saturated fat or added sugar; 

8. Avoiding overindulging on alcohol - if you choose to drink, do so in moderation.

Making small changes to your diet can go a long way towards improving your physical health and overall wellbeing! Taking the time to prepare nutritious meals at home can be hugely rewarding - you'll know exactly what goes into your food, which can help you make better decisions about what you're consuming every day. So don't worry - healthy eating isn't complicated or boring – it just takes some knowledge and effort!