A healthy diet can help you manage your weight and lower your risk for certain health conditions. It’s about consistently choosing foods that contribute to a balanced eating pattern, rather than following one specific diet plan or food trend.
You’ll want to aim for a balanced diet that includes the 5 main food groups (vegetables, fruits, dairy, grains and protein). It’s important to choose whole grains most of the time and cut back on refined or processed carbohydrates. You should also be sure to get enough calcium, and drink plenty of water. Finally, it’s important to limit saturated fat and added sugars. These ingredients can increase your risk for heart disease and high blood pressure.
It might seem overwhelming to start living a healthier lifestyle, but with some small changes, you can make an impact. It’s important to speak with your physician if you have any concerns or if you have a medical condition that requires specialized nutrition.
In general, a nutritious diet should be low in sodium (salt), added sugars, and saturated fats and high in fiber. It should include lean meats, poultry without skin, fish, eggs, nuts, seeds, beans and soy products, and whole grains. It should also be low in trans fats and added sugars, which can increase your risk for obesity, tooth decay and heart disease.
Choosing more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats, while cutting down on salt, added sugars and unhealthy fats is the best way to improve your diet. In addition, learning how to read labels can help you make smart choices when shopping or dining out.
It’s a good idea to keep a well-stocked pantry with healthy staples like canned and frozen vegetables, and a refrigerator full of nutritious produce, healthy meats and fish. That way, when you’re feeling hungry and tempted to grab the nearest snack, you can make a quick, healthy meal instead.
It’s also helpful to have a cupboard full of healthy recipes you can turn to when cooking at home. Our collection of healthy dinner recipes is filled with delicious and easy meals that can help you stick to a nutritious diet. Whether you’re looking for vegetarian recipes, vegan recipes or gluten-free dinners, we have a wide variety of options to choose from. Emnahrungskompass