Why Healthy Food is Important
Most people know eating healthy food, getting good nutrition and physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight. But the benefits of healthy food go beyond weight. Eating healthy can help:
Reduce the risk of some diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, some cancers, and osteoporosis
Reduce high blood pressure
Lower high cholesterol
Improve your well-being
Improve your ability to fight off illness
Improve your ability to recover from illness or injury
Increase your energy level
In 2018 an international group of researchers led by scientists at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that adopting five healthy habits could extend life expectancy by 14 years for women and by 12 years for men!
Tips for Eating Healthy:
Drink plenty of water - Before you tear into that bag of potato chips, drink a glass of water first. People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger, so you can end up eating extra calories when an ice-cold glass of water is really all you needed.
Fight those nighttime cravings - Mindless eating occurs most frequently after dinner, when you finally sit down and relax. Snacking in front of the TV is one of the easiest ways to throw your diet off course.
Eat protein at every meal - Protein is the ultimate fill-me-up food -- it's more satisfying than carbs or fats and keeps you feeling full for longer.
Always Eat Breakfast - It seems like an easy diet win: Skip breakfast and you'll lose weight. Yet many studies show the opposite can be true. Not eating breakfast can make you hungry later, leading to too much nibbling and binge eating at lunch and dinner.
Load Up on the Spice - Add spices or chilies to your food for a flavor boost that can help you feel satisfied. "Food that is loaded with flavor will stimulate your taste buds and be more satisfying, so you won’t eat as much," says American Dietetic Association spokeswoman Malena Perdomo, RD.
It’s tempting to reach for comfort food when were stressed, and that’s okay once in a while. But don’t make it a habit because many of these foods, such as mac and cheese, pizza, and burgers and fries, are high in fat, sugar and salt. Read food labels so you can be informed about the nutritional value of the foods you’re buying, serving to your family and eating. When your are eating out try to choose a place that uses fresh ingredients and has plenty of healthy options.