Eating a healthy diet with the right combination of foods can seem overwhelming, especially because many tempting but unhealthy choices are available. There are always new fad diets, cleanses, and other gimmicks that supposedly help people lose weight and be healthier, but do they work? If you want to change your eating habits and become healthy, the best way to start is to identify healthy foods. With just a little knowledge, anyone can improve their diet and, by doing that, improve their overall health. Some people even benefit from nutrition therapy and wellness counseling. It can help have a nutritional counseling professional who can offer guidance and good advice about food and eating, but if you are starting, you might want to try out some tips that can help get you on the right track.
Always Read Food Labels
Perhaps the most direct way to understand what you are eating and its quality is to consult the labels on the packaging. Food labels have a lot of good information on them that can help you identify whether a food is healthy or not. Here are some things you can learn when reading food labels:
- Many processed foods have hidden salt and sugar in them that you might not realize there. Comparing and contrasting similar items can help you make healthier choices and reduce salt and sugar intake.
- What is the carbohydrate to fiber ratio? The higher the fiber a food has, relative to the number of carbohydrates, the “better” it is. This is especially relevant when selecting bread and other baked goods.
- The label contains information about the serving size and ingredients. This information can guide calories and nutrients, helping you select items that provide the most dietary benefit and make for a filling meal.
Get Your Five-A-Day
Studies show that people who eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day have a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and many other health benefits. Making an effort to increase the number of servings of fruits and vegetables in your diet is one of the best things you can do for your health and nutrition. If you are a parent or a caregiver to young children, getting your five-a-day can also set a good example of healthy eating habits that will help them have a long, healthy life. One way to improve your intake of fruits and vegetables is to seek out new recipes appealing to your tastes. Sometimes, it takes a new way of cooking to make something dull into something exciting.
Keep a Food Journal
When you are ready to start developing new, healthier food habits, it is useful to know your current food habits. Keeping a food journal in which you record what you eat, when, and how much you eat can help you improve your diet in many ways. People are often surprised to see their eating habits written out because we often eat without thinking about doing. Journaling can help promote more mindful eating habits and help you identify times when you are prone to making less healthy eating choices.
Discover How Grace Counseling Can Help
If you or someone you care about could benefit from nutritional counseling, reach out to the caring and professional staff at Grace Counseling today at 844.564.0712. Located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, we offer a variety of counseling programs, including substance abuse, mental health, and nutritional counseling. We at Grace Counseling are committed to guiding our clients back to health and wellness. Don’t delay; the best time to seek help is right now.
