When you hear the word “nutrition,” you probably think of boring green salads and bland whole-grain bread. The truth of the matter is that following a smart diet need not be unpleasant. Simply learning about nutrition can actually open you up to a world of food choices. Try these simple tips to jump-start your efforts towards improving your nutrition, and start appreciating food as nourishment for your body.
For optimal nutrition, choose foods that are in their natural state. These items taste great, are good for you and cut down on the amount of chemicals and fat that you are eating.
Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits each day. According to the USDA you should eat about 9-13 servings of fruits or veggies every single day. You might think this is a lot but it is not. Have a cup of orange juice when you’re eating breakfast, or put tomato sauce onto spaghetti dishes.
You should get your protein from sources other than meat. There are other edible form of protein out there. Try eating things like soy, tofu, nuts and beans for a good source of nutritious protein. Many of these are versatile enough to be used as either additives to dishes or as the main course. Make sure to add a variety of protein to your diet to keep things interesting.
Keep some protein bars around and carry concentrated foods if you tend to travel often. Regular meals are difficult to obtain, especially if you are flying. You are usually so busy hurrying to wait for your flight, being searched by security or trapped on a foodless airplane that eating is simply not a possibility. Be sure you have a few of these bars to satisfy your hunger pangs until you can get a decent meal when you land.
Use whole wheat flour instead of white flour in order to increase your baked goods’ nutritional value. Compared to whole wheat flour, white flour does not have as much fiber and nutrients.
Calcium is very important for women who are pregnant or nursing a baby. If you lack calcium, you will be prone to fractures.
As you can see, eating a balanced, nutritious diet is easy and fun. There is a lot of room for creativity in the world of food, so it is a wonderful way to enhance your quality of life without limiting yourself. These tips are only the beginning to a new, healthier you!