How healthy of an eater do you consider yourself? Do you take the time to read labels while at the market? Do you to stay away from starches and focus on healthy foods such as fruits and whole grains? Then you are probably making many wise food choices…Here are a few more tips you can add to your routine to take your eating healthy habits to the next level.
Tip #1: Incorporate more raw food Raw food consists of uncooked fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds & sprouted grains. Because these foods are not processed or altered by heat through the cooking process, they pack some huge nutrients because they are still in their natural state. So before heating up your favorite vegetable as a side dish, consider washing it down and chopping it up straight out of the fridge to get the most out of the vitamins and enzymes it naturally provides!
Tip #2: Replace lighter colored lettuce with dark leafy greens When it comes to lettuce, of course any leafy green is healthy. However, if you are going to commit to eating a salad, check out the lettuces hue. The color of the lettuce identifies how nutrient rich it is. Darker greens like those you see in kale and spinach are a sign of important nutrients such as fiber, calcium and vitamin B6. Next time you are at the store, pass on the romaine lettuce and find those dark greens instead for an impressive nutrient boost!
Tip #3: Don’t be too scared of carbohydrates Before you shy away from carbohydrates and jump on the low-carb diet trend, try finding alternatives that are high in fiber and, as a result, super healthy to add to your food routine. Of course it is true that carbohydrates in excess can be detrimental to your health but there are some good carbohydrates out there that, if consumed in moderation, can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. So try substituting some of the carbs with a bad reputation with their healthier cousins; brown instead of white rice, sweet instead of white potatoes and whole wheat instead of white breads. Adding even one or two servings of these a day will help with your fiber intake that will help you lose weight by managing your metabolism, yum yum!
Tip #4: Add water as a food group to your diet Water is so important for all of our body functions; it helps flush our systems of toxins and energizes us by keeping all of our systems running efficiently. However, many people spend most of their life dehydrated, causing fatigue, low energy and headaches. It’s common to mistake thirst for hunger, so staying well hydrated will also help you make healthier food choices. As a rule of thumb, consider water intake as important as food intake and you will reap the benefits with more energy and less hunger throughout the day.
