Tips For a Healthy Diet

Having a healthy diet is not only good for your health but also helps to reduce your risk of certain diseases. A diet that contains a balanced mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins and fluids will help you maintain your overall health. This can reduce your risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers and obesity.

A healthy diet includes foods that provide adequate amounts of micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. These are necessary for normal physiologic function and growth. Adding plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains to your diet will help you meet your needs.

Foods rich in fiber such as fruits and vegetables are also great for your health. They add bulk to your diet and help you feel full on fewer calories. Aim for at least two cups of fruit and veggies per day.

It is important to avoid eating processed food. These can have less nutritional value than their natural counterparts.

If you do eat processed food, try switching from butter to olive oil and vegetable oil. You may also want to try a reduced-fat spread instead of using regular butter.

A healthy diet should include lots of protein. Protein provides essential nutrients for your body and is needed for cell repair and immune function. It also helps to regulate bowel health. Lean meats, fish, nuts and eggs are all excellent sources of protein.

It is a good idea to avoid sugary soft drinks. These have a high caloric content and are not good for your teeth.