Healthy Eating Methods That Are Simple, Yet Effective

Food Tank is an organization that strives to provide solutions for hunger, poverty, and obesity. In honor of World Health Day in April, Food Tank highlighted several methods for healthy eating. Here are some of their tips that are relatively simple to incorporate into daily life.

Amp up your intake of fruits and vegetables

It seems almost impossible to overstate the importance of fruits and vegetables for a healthy diet. The minimum amount recommended by the USDA is three servings of veggies and two servings of fruit each day, yet less than a third of Americans meet that goal. When you fall short of the recommended servings, your risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer increases.

To get an appropriate amount of nutrients, strive for three to four servings of fruit and four to six servings of vegetables every day. Incorporate berries into desserts or on cereal. Instead of sweet snacks, try to munch on carrot sticks or peppers.

Cook meals at home instead of eating out 
Let's be honest: it's easier to run to a fast food joint on your lunch break or grab dinner at a restaurant after a busy day at work. Yet even if you feel like you're choosing healthy options, many restaurants serve portions that are much larger than recommended. The food also tends to be loaded with sodium.

By eating at home, you can better manage portions and control what is in your meals. If you find that you're too rushed or tired after work to cook, make meals on the weekends and freeze them for later in the week.

Choose grass-fed beef and whole grains

Grass-fed beef is typically lower in fat and higher in nutrients than conventional corn-fed beef, making it a great substitution for any meat-lover. Whole grains have been shown to decrease the risk of type-2 diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. They also provide protein and fiber. Be sure to look for products that are 100 percent whole wheat, as some products are deceptively labeled.

Buy locally grown produce

Small farms are more likely to have nutrient-rich soil than large farms, which means their produce will also have more nutrients. Buying local also minimizes the amount of time between when the food is harvested and when it gets to your dinner table, which also preserves the nutrient content. Look for farmers markets in your area to purchase local produce.

The bottom line is that choosing healthy foods gives your body fuel it needs and can metabolize well while helping you control or lose weight.

Shawna is an avid writer about wellness and holistic health, including tips for a healthier life style. Find similar subjects from an Austin weight loss center focused on longevity and wellness in Austin, TX through its mind/body exercise programs.

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