What Everyone Should Know about Nutrition
By Sara Butler
Eating well doesn’t have to be confusing. In fact, there are just a few ideas you need to familiarize yourself with in order to ensure you’re eating well for your health and wellness. Here are a few of the things you should keep in mind to eat right.
You Don’t Need Fad Diets
Fad diets are called fads because they don’t last long -- and neither will your health if you follow one. Most fad diets eliminate entire food groups from your diet or have incredibly strict rules for what you should and shouldn’t eat. You may get results at first, but a vast majority of people who follow fad diets aren’t successful in making a real and lasting change to their health in the long run. All you need to do is make sure to eat a balanced diet that includes all essential food groups.
You Always Need Fiber
The average American doesn’t get enough fiber -- at least they don’t according to the National Institutes of Health. Your body requires fiber in order to regulate cholesterol and maintain healthy digestion. If you don’t get enough, then troubles can follow. You should look to increase your fiber intake each day by including fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in your diet.
You Need More Fruits and Vegetables
Another thing people don’t get enough of? Fruits and vegetables. Many people neglect to eat a sufficient amount of vegetables and fruits in their diets each day. It’s a shame because fruits and vegetables are naturally low in calories, have essential vitamins and minerals, and are high in fiber. Try to add them in where you can!
Pay Attention to Food Labels
Unfortunately, you can’t take the claims on food packaging at face value, which makes it really important to understand how to look a little deeper. For example, practically all food packages include calorie count -- but that’s in just one serving. Make sure to look and note how many servings there are per package so you don’t blow an entire day’s worth of calories on just one food.
You are what you eat, and what you eat should be savvy -- just like you! Understanding nutrition is really all about making it simple. Just know what you need and how to get it, eat a balanced diet, and think about what you’re putting in your body; you should be just fine!
If you follow these health rules, then you should be on your way to healthy living!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Northbrook, Ill.