Good nutrition is an important part of experiencing good health in your life. Think of your body as a complicated machine which needs the right fuel to function properly. Obviously, if you do not provide your body with good nutrition your health will suffer. The informative tips in this article outlines the requirements of a healthy diet.
The human body is composed of over 60 percent water, so hydration is very important to good health. The rule of thumb quoted by nutritionists is that you should drink at least eight 8 ounce glasses of water each day. This amounts to a total of 64 ounces, and there are times when you need to drink more. If you are exercising strenuously or are spending time outdoors in the heat and sun, make sure you drink extra.
Fresh fruits and vegetables provide an abundance of vitamins and minerals which are needed for good nutrition. During the off-season, when veggies are not as available, you can substitute a frozen version. The over-processing of canned fruits and vegetables diminish the nutrients which were previously available. If you want to cook certain vegetables before eating them, make sure they are not over-cooked.
Although some fruits and vegetables are higher in calories, almost none of them contain fat. Avocados do contain a high percentage of fat, but it is the good kind of fat which is beneficial. If you want to know the exact nutrients available in fruits and vegetables, check online for the information you need.
Fiber is also an important part of your healthy diet. Your digestive system requires fiber in order to work efficiently and effectively. Fiber can be supplied by eating raw fruits and vegetables, but is also found in whole grains, nuts and seeds.
While both starches and sugars are necessary for good nutrition, they should both be limited. There are actually good and bad versions of both these nutrients. An example of a good starch can be found in sweet potatoes while white potatoes are much less healthy. Bad sugars are represented mostly by bakery products and candy which contain lots of empty calories. Natural sugars, such as honey and the sugars found in fruits, are less harmful, but should still be limited because the extra calories they provide can cause weight gain.
Eating a balanced diet is the best way to have a healthy life. Make sure you include foods from every part of the food pyramid in the percentages recommended. Once you follow a healthy diet for a while, it will become second nature for you to choose the right foods to maintain a nutritious diet for yourself. You will also notice you have more energy and feel great.
Making the effort to eat a healthy diet can take some extra time and effort, but a longer life span with fewer health problems makes the effort worthwhile. Use the information provided in this article to make sure your life is as long and healthy as you can make it.