6 ways to revamp your diet
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6 ways to revamp your diet
Healthy eating is more than just a method for successful weight loss — it’s the foundation of a new positive lifestyle.
• Reduce your salt intake
According to the National Heart Foundation, high blood pressure affects almost two million Australian adults and is one of the main causes of heart disease and stroke.
Reducing salt intake is important in reducing high blood pressure. Each year, more foods contain excessive levels of sodium (over 120 milligrams per 100 grams), so it’s important to check the labels and choose low-sodium products.
• Choose your sugar fix wisely
Sugar mostly provides empty calories and has little nutritional value. Eating too much sugar also contributes to weight gain. So next time you feel like a sugar fix, go for fresh or dried fruit, which is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth naturally. Instead of sugar, try sweetening your tea or coffee with a spoonful of honey.
• Lean over lard
Although some fat in our diet is essential, most people still eat too much, especially the saturated variety, which is the main cause of high cholesterol. Saturated fats are mostly found in fatty cuts of meat and meat products, full-fat dairy products and butter. So choose reduced-fat products where possible, buy lean cuts of meat and trim off any visible fat before cooking.
• Preserve your health with probiotics
Believe it or not, you can improve your health by eating foods alive with bacteria. Don’t worry – the bacteria is friendly, will keep you healthy and you won’t even know it’s there. Our body contains more than 500 species of bacteria and of these, approximately five per cent are harmful. The rest are known as friendly bacteria or probiotics and are essential for good health.
However, lifestyle factors often destroy these bacteria so they need to be replenished. And the best way to do this is by eating probiotic foods such as yoghurt containing acidophilus and bifidus, miso soup, sauerkraut, sourdough bread and fermented milk products such as Yakult.
• Drink to good health
It’s official. Drinking a glass or two of red wine is good for you. Full of antioxidants, wine also contributes to lowering cholesterol, which in turn helps prevent the incidence of heart disease and stroke. However, moderation is the key. One or two glasses will benefit your health, but one or two bottles could destroy it.
• Rethink your shopping list
If you’re the type of person who does their weekly shop on auto-cue, chances are your diet isn’t as varied as it could be. Supermarkets may seem like a cheaper option, but markets are a great option for fresh and organic produce. You’ll be surprised at how reasonably-priced fish and meat is and it’s a great way to spend a lazy Saturday afternoon.
People who eat regularly tend to maintain a stable weight and are often slimmer than those who don’t nibble. An American study found that because of their nutrient density, snacking on nuts kept hunger at bay for two hours, whereas low-fat snacks satisfied hunger for 30 minutes.
Nuts contain vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals (plant-based antioxidants that have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anticarcinogenic properties) that reduce the risk of breast cancer and arthritis.
Read more health articles and browse delicious recipes.
