Foods to Embrace and Foods to Avoid
By Sara Butler
The world provides a lot of options when it comes to food. But in every category of food, there is something to embrace and something to avoid, because not everything is as good for you as you may think. If you’re looking to fuel your body better and get healthy, then here are some foods you should make sure you get and some foods you want to keep off your plate.
Fruits
When it comes to fruit, you want to focus on getting as many fresh fruits as you can. Even frozen fruit can be good since it’s picked and flash frozen at its peak of freshness. But not all fruit is created equal. For the sake of your health, you should avoid fruit juices (even freshly squeezed) because it has no fiber to fill you up, just the sugars from the fruit. Also, dried fruit can be very calorie dense, so watch out how much you eat.
Vegetables
Vegetables, on the whole, are incredibly good for you, no matter if they’re fresh or frozen. Just make sure you wash everything before you eat it. There aren’t really vegetables you should stay away from, only the way some are prepared. For example, a lot of canned vegetables is loaded up with salt, so read the nutrition label before you partake. Also, fried vegetables are a no-no.
Meat
Meat can be incredibly healthy. Try to look for grass-fed varieties of beef, duck, turkey, and wild game such as buffalo. Also, eat organic or free range eggs since they’re incredibly good for you – and fresh, local eggs will always be a win! Steer clear of mystery meats such as sausages and hot dogs. Canned meats and cold cuts should also be added to the list of foods to avoid.
Grains
Whole grains are always going to be your best bet. You can enjoy grains such as quinoa, buckwheat, brown rice, wild rice, buckwheat, and oats. Avoid highly processed grains that have had all their fiber and nutrients processed out of them. Even whole wheat products may not be whole grain.
Sugar
Everyone needs a little something sweet from time to time, but there’s a healthy way to go about it. Try small amounts of dark chocolate when you need a fix. Avoid energy bars, protein bars, milk chocolate, and candy!
These rules are easy to remember and will keep you making healthy choices!
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.