Nutritional Advice

Nutritional Advice for Better Health

One of the cornerstones to living a healthy life is proper diet. Maintaining a healthy diet can help you live longer. Vitamin and mineral-rich foods should be consumed. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and a source of protein are all included.

Consider the following inquiries. If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should consult your doctor about your health. For optimal nutrition, you may need to change your eating habits:

Do you have a health problem or risk factor, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol?
Did your doctor tell you that better eating can help you feel better?
Do you have a family history of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or osteoporosis?
Do you have a weight problem?
Do you have any concerns regarding what foods to eat or whether or not to take vitamins?
Do you eat a lot of fast food and processed foods?
Do you think that you would benefit from seeing a registered dietitian or someone who specializes in nutrition counseling?

A path to better health

Changing your dietary habits might be difficult. It helps to focus on small changes. Making changes to your diet may also be beneficial if you have diseases that can be worsened by the things you eat or drink. Symptoms of renal illness, lactose intolerance, and celiac disease can all be helped by changing your diet. Here are some recommendations to help you enhance your health. Be sure to stay in touch with your doctor so he or she knows how you are doing.

Determine the benefits and drawbacks of your present diet. Do you eat 4-5 cups of fruits and vegetables every day? Do you get enough calcium in your diet? Do you consume high-fiber, whole-grain foods? If so, you’re on the right track! Keep up the good work. If you don’t already, include more of these foods in your everyday diet.

Keep track of your food intake by writing down what you eat and drink every day. This record will help you assess your diet. You’ll see if you need to eat more or less from certain food groups.

Think about asking for help from a dietitian. He or she can help you follow a special diet, especially if you have a health issue.

Almost everyone can benefit from cutting back on unhealthy fat. If you currently eat a lot of fat, commit to cutting back and changing your habits. Unhealthy fats include things such as: dark chicken meat; poultry skin; fatty cuts of pork, beef, and lamb; and high-fat dairy foods (whole milk, butter, cheeses). Ways to cut back on unhealthy fats include:

Bake, grill, or broil meat instead of frying it. Remove the skin before cooking chicken or turkey. Eat fish at least once a week.

Reduce extra fat. This includes butter on bread, sour cream on baked potatoes, and salad dressings. Use low-fat or nonfat versions of these foods.

Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables with your meals and as snacks.

Read the nutrition labels on foods before you buy them. If you need help with the labels, ask your doctor or dietitian.

When you eat out, be aware of hidden fats and larger portion sizes.

Staying hydrated is important for good health. Drink zero- or low-calorie beverages, such as water or tea. Sweetened drinks add lots of sugar and calories to your diet. This includes fruit juice, soda, sports and energy drinks, sweetened or flavored milk, and sweetened iced tea.

Things to consider

Balanced nutrition and regular exercise are good for your health. These habits can help you lose or maintain weight. Try to set realistic goals. They could be making some of the small diet changes listed above or walking daily.

Doctors and dietitians suggest making healthy eating habits a part of daily life rather than following fad diets. Nutrition tips and diets from different sources can be misleading. Keep in mind the advice below, and always check with your doctor first.

Fad diets aren’t the answer. Fad or short-term diets may promise to help you lose weight fast. However, they are hard to keep up with and could be unhealthy.

Good nutrition doesn’t come in a pill. Try eating a variety of foods instead. Your body benefits most from healthy whole foods. Only take vitamins that your doctor prescribes.

Diet programs or products can confuse you with their claims. Most people in these ads get paid for their endorsements. They don’t talk about side effects, problems, or regained weight.