So, what’s the big deal with healthy eating? Well, first off, it’s really important, and a crucial part of living a healthy lifestyle.
Healthy eating consists of a balanced diet; lots of vitamins, fruits, veggies, protein, and whole grains. Don’t worry though, eating healthy doesn’t mean saying goodbye to foods like ice cream and pizza though. In my opinion, healthy eating is more focused on fueling your body with what it needs to be healthy. It’s okay to enjoy treats like cake, they’re just not for everyday.
Biggest Benefits to Healthy Eating
Healthy eating has so many benefits. Just a few include increasing your risk of living a longer life, keeping your skin, eyes, and teeth healthy, as well as helping yourself achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Medical News Today says that 80% of heart disease can be prevented by lifestyle changes, such as healthy eating. Antioxidants in foods like blueberries, pumpkins, carrots, nuts, and seeds can help prevent cancer by keeping your cells strong and healthy.
Small Ways to Eat Healthier
Eating healthy shouldn’t be complicated. One small change you can make is to drink herbal tea or lemon water in place of sugary drinks like soda. During snack time, instead of reaching for a bag of chips, you could go for some carrots and hummus, salt and vinegar cucumbers, or some olive oil popcorn. If you’re craving something sweet, try some frozen grapes or homemade peanut butter energy balls. One of my personal favorite snacks is apple slices dipped in peanut butter. Try to trade out white bread for more whole wheat options.
An important thing to consider is trying to add protein to every meal because it will help you stay satisfied longer. In addition to this, try to increase your intake of fruits and vegetables.
The internet is filled with delicious healthy recipes. Spend some time looking for ideas for healthy meals and desserts.
Remember though, it’s important to enjoy treats and foods we crave too, even if they’re not healthy.
What Else Plays into a Healthy Lifestyle?
While healthy eating definitely plays into a healthy lifestyle, it’s not the only thing. Exercise is also very important to living a healthy lifestyle. Even just taking fifteen minutes a day to go on a walk is better than doing nothing. Make sure to get some physical activity every day.
Another important thing to think about if you’re trying to live a healthier lifestyle is making sure to get enough sleep. The Center for Disease and Prevention Control says that teenagers need 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Sleep is really important. Getting enough sleep will help you feel less tired and more energized.
As you can see, healthy eating and living a healthy lifestyle are super important. Look for ways to make healthier choices every day. Always remember though, it’s all about balance and giving your body what it needs.
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