Small Changes to Improve Your Diet
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Possibly, you are looking toward the long
term and worry about staying healthy in your old age. Whatever the motivation,
having a positive relationship with food is possible for everyone.
While everybody’s body is unique, some changes will benefit almost
everyone. Remember though, changing your diet should be done slowly to avoid
symptoms such as nausea and bloating. Think about how you’ll feel in a few
months and start gradually introducing some of the suggestions below.
Switch to Whole Grains
Most people on a Western diet lack fiber. One of the simplest ways
to up your intake is to switch to whole foods. So, rather than white bread, use
whole grain bread. If you cook a lot of rice, try changing to brown or black
varieties, or, if you are a pasta lover, switch to wholemeal. Whole grain foods
also take longer for your body to break down, keeping you feeling full, and
helping prevent over-eating.
Get Enough Fruit and Vegetables
Another area where most people lack is in their fruit and
vegetables. The nutritional benefit of eating plant-based food is
unquestionable, and the more variety you can pack into your diet the better.
Start small, maybe a piece of fruit with breakfast and as a snack, and steadily
increase the amount and variety of the vegetables you eat to get maximum
benefits. The minimum you should be aiming for is five servings a day, but if
you work toward getting a balanced diet, you should find you end up eating much
more than this.
Eat
More Pulses
Pulses are the edible seeds of legumes, including beans, dry peas,
chickpeas, and lentils. Aside from baked beans, people consume very few pulses.
It is so easy though, that once you add them to your diet, you will wonder why
you never did it before! Soaking dried beans is better if you have the time,
but for a shortcut, throw a tin of chickpeas, black beans, or whatever you
fancy into most dishes to get an added hit of protein and fiber. Easy!
Drink More Water
The last tip is to stay hydrated. If you are getting headaches,
aching muscles, or a dry mouth, chances are you are not getting enough water.
Regularly sipping on small amounts is best, so carry a bottle of water with you
throughout the day to stay topped up. The recommended amount is around two
liters a day, but having more than this is unlikely to cause problems. Just
make sure you don’t have more than a liter in an hour to avoid hyponatremia,
where the body cannot process the water quickly enough.
Taking steps to improve your diet can only have positive results.
However, treating anything as a quick fix is unlikely to last going forwards,
so the key is to think long-term and make gradual changes. If you commit to
this and follow these tips, you will soon start noticing the difference in your
energy levels, your appearance, and your mood. It just takes time.