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Healthy Facts
Healthy eating is all about balance, variety and moderation. Small changes in your lifestyle and eating habits can go a long way in ensuring you stay beautiful forever. Here are some tips that will get you closer to a wholesome lifestyle and complete wellness...
It's important to maintain a balance between your calorie intake and calorie expenditure.
Expand your diet by including a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains and legumes. These are rich in complex carbohydrates, minerals, fiber and low in fat.
Remember to drink plenty of water. It's a vital part of a healthy diet.
Eating smart is as important as eating right. Take time to chew your food slowly, relishing its taste. This way you are less likely to overeat.
Eat in a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. Eating when under stressful conditions like at work, while driving etc. can impair the process of digestion.
Stop eating a few minutes before you feel full, so that you can remain alert and light.
Starting your day with a healthy breakfast can kick-start your metabolism and help you stay active throughout the day. Also, it gives you a chance to burn off the calories during the course of the day.
Consuming frequent, small and well-balanced meals helps your body absorb food faster and maintain your energy levels constantly. This way you can ward off food cravings.
Try to include more of healthy carbs such as whole grains, beans, fruits and veggies. These are digested slowly and make you feel full for longer periods. Avoid refined food such as white sugar and white rice, which lack nutrients.
Whole grains are an essential part of a healthy diet. They are rich in fiber, and anti-oxidants. Try to look for the word 'whole grain' or 'whole wheat' when buying bread or wheat flour. Similarly brown rice is a healthier option when compared to white rice.
When buying fruits and vegetables, look for the brighter and deeper coloured ones as they have a higher concentration of vitamins and anti-oxidants.
Not all fats are bad. In fact, fat is needed for nutrient absorption, and aids in nerve transmission. The trick is to replace bad fats (saturated fats) with good fats (mono unsaturated fat). Olive oil, peanut oil, avocado, nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts, and seeds such as pumpkins and sesame seeds are good sources of mono unsaturated fats.
Cooking food for prolonged durations in high temperatures devoid it of vitamins and proteins. Pressure cooking is a good way to preserve nutrients in food, as it requires lesser time and minimal water.
Naturally sweet food such as corn, yam, carrots, beets, and fruits add healthy sweetness to your diet.
Try to include some of these 'super-foods' into your diet.
• Walnuts - One of the best sources of naturally occurring protein and packed with fiber, B vitamin, magnesium and anti-oxidants
• Flax seeds – Excellent source of omega 3 fatty acid
• Pomegranate - Excellent source of anti-oxidants
• Dark greens - Vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, green beans are packed with vitamin A and C.
They are very filling, high in fiber and low in calories.
While shopping for veggies, opt for organic food. By doing so, you're reducing the amount of harmful pesticide content in your food.
Instant foods are tasty but contain a high amount of salt. Avoid instant pasta or noodles, canned soups, salted nuts and chips.
Take a little time on presentation. You are most likely to enjoy food that is visually appealing.
Finally, make every meal an occasion, and enjoy with your family.
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