Do you worry that you don’t know how to put together a good meal that provides the good nutrition that you and your family need? Do you need some guidance for improving your choices when you are preparing for mealtime? If so, there are some basic concepts that you can use to help guide the decisions you make for your daily meals.
First of all, you need to view foods for the amount of proteins, fats and carbohydrates that are in them. It is your goal to strike a healthy balance between these three macronutrients. While you will discover much disagreement over the specific proportions that you should plan for, there are some guidelines you can use no matter what.
For instance, you need to have a wide range of produce throughout each day and week. Several servings of food in an array of colors will help to provide good nutrition to your body in the form of vitamins and minerals. Some veggies, such as avocado, have healthy fats while carrots provide a nutritious source of carbohydrates.
While many items from the produce section are best served fresh, that is not always the case. For example, the available nutrients in spinach actually increases when steamed prior to serving. Find out about the best preparation and storage methods for all of your fruits and vegetables to maximize the nutrition you receive from them.
Nuts, seeds and beans are all excellent sources of protein and fat for vegans and vegetarians. Even if you don’t want to eliminate meat from your diet, adding these nutritional powerhouses to your diet can improve your health and provide your body with valuable building blocks for strong muscles and a healthy heart. Try to have at least one or two servings each day.
Chia seeds are incredibly popular due to their nutrient dense profile that includes sustained energy in the form of healthy omega fatty acids and proteins. They absorb more than six times their volume in water and are excellent for promoting healthy digestion. Soak one tablespoon in a half-cup of water before adding to your morning yogurt or cereal.
In addition to the foods you eat, your look at nutrition should include the beverages you consume. Sodas, coffee house beverages and alcohol do not provide any value to your health. While the occasional drink or two will not cause serious harm to your health, minimize your consumption of these as much as possible.
Instead, you should drink pure water and freshly squeezed juices. This will keep your system hydrated and provide you with valuable nutrients that are readily absorbed by your body. You can make your own drinks with a home juicer or visit your favorite health food store for a delicious treat.
Eating right will help you to enjoy your life more fully. By learning the nutritional profile for the foods in your home, you can start making healthier choices. Doing so will benefit you now and in the future!
