Eating Yourself Healthy
3 simple tips for nourishing your body from the inside out
Before you can eat yourself healthy, you need to know what healthy actually means
Many people believe that having the freshest or most exotic foods will lead to better health
but this isn't true at all. In fact, avoiding food with even the smallest amount of processing can deprive your body
of the important nutrients it needs to function properly and stay healthy
If you really want to eat yourself healthy, these 3 tips are key. 1
Eat a Rainbow of Colors
By incorporating as many different colors as possible, you're boosting your chance
of getting all the nutrients you need for optimum health. Aim to fill half the plate with vegetables and fruits, and then divide the remaining
half into two portions. Fill one portion with whole grains, legumes, nuts or seeds and fill the other with lean
proteins like poultry, fish or beans. It may seem like a lot of food but remember that when it comes to nourishing your body
from the inside out, it's all about balance and variety. If you're new to eating a balanced diet, don't by chance something you hold breakfast or
lunch each day. If you're having a sandwich for lunch, choose one with chicken and salad instead of meat
and cheese. And if your work has its own cafeteria, try ordering a fresh salad with grilled chicken
instead of greasy fries. Your taste buds will thank you later
2. Incorporate Fermented Foods into Your Diet Fermented foods can help you avoid food sensitivities and digestive issues
They are easy to add to your diet because they are versatile in dishes and can be made at home
Fermented foods include sauerkraut, kimchi, kefir, yogurt, miso soup, tonka and kombucha
There are numerous benefits of eating fermented foods including improved gut health which can
lead to weight loss due to better digestion and nutrient absorption. Fermented foods have also been shown to improve our mood by reducing inflammation in the brain
so that we feel less anxious or depressed. Sauerkraut, kimchi and kefir are examples of vegetables that are fermented
Sauerkraut has a tart taste which makes it work well with dishes like lentil soup or
in place of pickles on your sandwich. Kimchi is cabbage that is typically fermented with onions, sponges, hot peppers and ham
You can add kimchi to soups that you do on its own or do with any other vegetable
A small serving of kefir in your smoothie adds flavor without changing the color and
consistency so you don't have to worry about altering your drink to get nutritional benefits
Kefir is also high in probiotics so you can expect better digestion by consuming it regularly
Protein. Make sure you're getting enough protein. A common mistake people make when trying to eat healthily is not getting enough protein
Protein helps build muscle so if you're working out, you need more of it than someone who doesn't
Protein also helps your body maintain a healthy weight and can help prevent or manage diabetes
And even if you don't work out, eating protein will help keep your energy levels up throughout
the day and keeps you feeling fuller longer so that you won't overeat
Eat also whole grains for fiber and nutrients. If you're having a hard time making whole grains part of your diet, try to add more fiber rich foods
High fiber foods like fruits and vegetables are essential for good nutrition
They can help you stay full on fewer calories, prevent constipation and even promote weight loss by making you feel fuller longer