3 Foods to Eat and 3 to Skip for Better Health
By Genevieve Cunningham
Eating a healthy diet can sometimes feel more difficult than it is. We think there’s some kind of special recipe for better health, but the truth is that a healthy diet can be very basic and easy to follow. No superfoods. No foods you can’t pronounce. Just regular foods and a simple do and don’t list. But where do you start? If you’re ready to take the plunge and improve your regular menu, take a look at these foods you should and shouldn’t eat to get you moving down the right path.
The Eat List
While there are many foods that belong on the do list, a few to get you started might include:
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Leafy greens - This includes lettuce, kale, spinach, and even collards. These foods are high in Vitamin C, high in fiber, super low calorie, and easy to add to a salad or smoothie. Stock your refrigerator with leafy greens, and you’re definitely on the way to a better diet.
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Apples - An apple a day keeps the doctor away, right? Apples are full of Vitamin C for the immune system, as well as fiber and water for digestion. The watery, gritty texture can help keep your teeth clean, and apples have been known to make you feel fuller longer. For a quick and easy snack, apples are a great choice.
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Eggs - The great thing about eggs is that they’re easy and protein packed. Anyone who wants to build strong muscles or improve their metabolism should add eggs to the menu. Eat them for breakfast or a snack. If you want less calories, separate the egg and use the whites.
The Don’t Eat List
Just as there is on the do list, the don’t list contains numerous foods. Some of the more obvious include:
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Soda - Just say no to soda. It’s hard, yes. We’re all addicted. But drinking your calories is never a good idea. And with soda, you’re getting too many calories, too much sugar, and too much caffeine all in one. Stick to water, and you’ll be way better off.
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Chips - You’ve probably heard to stay away from this food before. Chips are high in sodium, high in calories, and provide zero in the way of essential nutrients. They satisfy a salty craving, but they won’t bring any good to your body. If you need something salty, try skillet popped popcorn or some low calorie pretzels.
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Nutella - This was once billed as a health food, but it’s absolutely not healthy. Nutella contains mountains of sugar. Just two tablespoons means hundreds of calories. And because Nutella is so, so good (seriously, it’s delicious!), it’s tough to break the habit once you start. If you want to be healthy, just don’t bring it home from the store.
Eating healthy does not have to be as difficult as we often make it. It can be easy if we simply follow some simple rules. Add these good foods and eliminate the bad, and you’ll already be heading toward a better diet and health before you know it.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Glen Carbon, Ill.