Healthy Diet & Recipes

Healthy Diet

A healthy balanced diet helps to maintain and improve general health. To develop healthy eating habits isn’t as confusing and restrictive as people imagine.

Eating a wide variety of foods is the first principle of a healthy diet. Secondly it involves consuming appropriate amounts of all essential nutrients in right proportion and an adequate amount of water. Fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, food rich in carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and vitamins are the foundation of a healthy diet. To maintain a healthy diet, food low in calories, fish, meat (lean), dairy products low in fat, fish, poultry etc. should be taken.

An unhealthy diet is a risk factor for a number of chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure (BP), abnormal blood lipids, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, stroke and even cancer. In order to lead a healthy life free of diseases one need to follow certain tips which are stated as under:

1. Eating plenty of high fiber foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, whole grain foods and low–fat dairy products are nutritious and at the same time low in calories.

2. Colorful vegetables and fruits like carrots, broccoli, cantaloupe, citrus fruits etc have antioxidants and various types of nutrients. These foods help to protect against cancer and other diseases.

3. Highly processed fast food, high in solid fats and sugar should be avoided.

4. Limit intake of animal fat as it is rich in saturated fat which boosts blood cholesterol level and has adverse health effects. Low-fat dairy products, lean meats, and skinless poultry can be taken instead.

5. Sugary beverages like soda should be avoided. Water or flavor-infused water can be taken as substitute.

6. For a healthy snack, choose fruit, nuts or low-fat yogurt.

7. Consumption of salt or sodium from all sources should be limited and also ensure that salt is iodized.

8. Regular exercise should be part of the daily routine.
............................................................................