Healthy Eating 101

Healthy Eating 101

What does it mean to be eating healthy? It is not easy to figure out what is considered healthy and takes a while to adopt and identifying healthy foods into ones diet.

With so many choices and companies spending big on branding and commercials to sometimes even create the perception of health, it is truly a challenging environment for a new dieter.

But I am going to provide you with 5 simple steps to help identify healthy foods!

1.    Keep it NATURAL!!

If a particular food comes in a box and can last a few months try to avoid it unless you have no other choice. If you can eat fresh fish rather than fish patties. Nuff said.

2.    Rich Vibrant Colours (fruits and vegetables)

Ever wondered why fruits and vegetables are so colourful? Well they are packed with antioxidants and essential vitamins that your body needs.

3.    Low to no preservatives (fresh is best)

High Fructose Corn Syrup, Aspartame, Food Colouring, Sodium Benzoate, Monosodium Glutamate are just to name a few that are common in processed foods. 

4.    Differentiate between low fat and low carb

Low fat foods may contain high amounts of sugars/carbohydrates which may hinder your diet plans. Low carbohydrate foods maybe high in fat but not necessarily bad as poly and monounsaturated fats are good for the body! So look out for the nutrition labels!

5.    Not all Fat is bad

A healthy diet consists of no more than 10% of our calories from saturated fat. Fats help in absorption of fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, E and K. However, Trans Fat should be avoided as it is process of hydrogenation which makes fat harder at room temperature and shelf life longer. Try to eat as little of this as possible as it raises cholesterol. Also fish oils which provides Omega 3 and most nuts providing Omega 6 are great for heart health and promoting circulation.

 
If you stick to these 5 simple steps you are definitely on your way to a healthier you!

  Next Topic: Sticking to the plan!

Written By: Ryan Lye