Getting the proper nutrition is very important to your overall health. There is no substitute for it. If you are wondering whether or not your current diet is providing you with the necessary nutrients, read this article for a simple assessment.
Your body needs to be properly hydrated everyday. Your body cells require water to stay alive and healthy. Inadequate water intake will weaken your cells and leave you feeling tired. You should drink between six to eight glasses of water each day to maintain proper cell growth.
The biggest part of your diet should consist of fruits and vegetables. You should get between six to eleven servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Veggies with dark, leafy greens are a good source of vitamins and minerals. Whole fruits provide fiber that your body needs.
Be mindful of the fat content of the foods that you eat. Extra fat calories will result in added weight to your body, and these calories do not provide any added nutrients. Make a habit of reading nutritional labels on prepared food items. Avoid items that are high in fats, especially saturated fats.
Fiber is important in keeping your digestive system regular. This prevents health problems, such as constipation. Soluble fiber is also beneficial in reducing cholesterol in the blood and keeping the glucose level in balance. You need an adequate amount of fiber in your diet to maintain good health. Vegetables, fruits and legumes are excellent sources of fiber in your diet.
Sugar is a source of empty calories that do not benefit your body. A lot of prepared foods have high levels of sugar hidden in them. Too much sugar can increase the risk of diabetes. Too much starch can also increase this risk, because the starch turns into sugar in your body. Excess starch and sugar can also lead to weight gain.
Look at what you are eating everyday, and ask yourself if your diet is balanced. Write down the foods that you are eating, how much you are eating, and place them in the four food groups. Does your diet reflect the recommendations of the food pyramid, or do you have an excess or deficiency in certain food groups? Examine your diet over the week, and see what adjustments you have to make to put your diet back into balance.
Do you like to eat out a lot? Be mindful that foods prepared in restaurants often are high in fats and salts. Try to cook your own meals more often. This way, you can control the ingredients that go in your meals, and it will be a healthier way to eat.
After you have done this simple assessment of your diet, determine what kind of changes you will need to make. Eating right does not come naturally to many people, but all eating habits can be changed. If you want to improve the nutrition in your diet, you need to make a conscious effort to make healthy choices in your foods. Write down a plan. Remove junk food from your home. Cook more at home. Be patient, but consistent, with your changes. Before you know it, making healthy choices will become second nature.