Unlocking the Secrets of Healthy Eating: A Comprehensive Approach 2023

Healthy dieting was initially considered a passing fad. But with the steady increase in lifestyle diseases, more and more people are shunning unhealthy eating habits.

It’s important to note that eating healthy doesn’t only entail portion control. It’s more about food quality than quantity.

In this article, we unlock the secrets to healthy eating that you’ve probably never heard before. Read on and be informed.

Subscribe To a Meal Delivery Service

A meal delivery subscription provides immense benefits. First, it saves the time and money you’d otherwise spend driving to the grocery store. It also allows you to consume the correct meal portions while reducing food wastage.

Besides, meal delivery services are a passive way to give back to the planet. That’s because a single delivery truck can serve an entire neighborhood.

The good news is that you can find reputable meal delivery Denver services that help you foster mindful dieting. Remember to insist on a company that allows you to pick your favorite foods. Most importantly, use that freedom to order nutritious foods that improve your general well-being and not just those that appease your taste buds.

Hydrate! Hydrate! Hydrate

Water is the most essential nutrient required by all living organisms. It’s involved in virtually all physiological processes in the body. These include digestion, excretion, blood circulation, muscle movements, etc. So, the significance of keeping hydrated cannot be overstated.

According to an article on Harvard Medical School’s website, adults should drink four to six cups of water daily. But since cups can vary in size, the more practical rule is to consume about 3.7 liters of fluid (for men) or 2.7 liters of fluid (for women) daily.

Remember that fluid denotes plain water and any rehydrating drink. These include smoothies, fruit juices, energy drinks, herbal teas, and milk.

Hydrate in the Morning

Staying with hydration, it turns out that one of the best times to drink water is right after waking up. Experts recommend downing between 12 and 16 ounces of cool water in the morning.

Drinking water first thing in the morning helps flush out waste products that might have accumulated in your body overnight. It also prevents constipation, increases energy levels, and boosts your gut’s efficiency.

Besides, drinking water before taking breakfast reduces your stomach’s capacity. It can be a proactive way to eat less and stay in shape.

Eat When You’re Physically Hungry…

Many people have a penchant for snacking on anything they can set their eyes on, including foods produced through sustainable farming practices. However, before eating anything, you must listen keenly to your body signals to determine if you’re starving. That’s because other factors, such as solid food cravings, stress, boredom, or overeating habits, may also trigger hunger pangs. Embracing sustainable farming not only ensures the availability of nutritious and environmentally friendly food options but also supports the long-term health of our planet.

…But Don’t Starve Yourself

There’s a common notion that starving yourself can quickly aid weight loss. But emerging studies appear to indicate otherwise.

The apparent adverse effect of starvation is that it dramatically reduces your body mass index (BMI). Note that you’re considered underweight and malnourished if your BMI is below 18.5. And according to studies, a BMI below 18.5 can shorten your lifespan by up to 4.3 and 4.5 years for males and females.

Besides malnutrition, starvation can cause weakness, dizziness, hypotension, cognitive issues, and dehydration.

Add More Veggies to Your Diet

Vegetables, and other plant-based products like fruits and nuts, are a rich source of essential vitamins. These products are especially high in antioxidants.

Antioxidants are compounds that reduce disease risks by counteracting the adverse effects of free radicals in body cells. Consuming foods high in these substances might guard against various chronic illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Nutritionists also recommend eating your vegetables first whenever you’re having a meal comprising animal-based products like meat and milk. That’s because vegetables are high in dietary fiber, a nutrient known for its filling effects. Consuming fiber-rich foods reduces your stomach capacity and might help with portion control.

Cut Back On Red Meat

Meat is a good source of protein and other essential minerals like iodine and B vitamins. However, regular consumption of red meat has been linked to heart disease, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, and certain cancers.

One way to safely consume meat is to insist on white meat sources, such as poultry and seafood. It’s also essential to consider meat from organically-raised livestock instead of refined or processed meat.

And since meat is notorious for going bad quite fast, store it in clean containers and refrigerate it.

Avoid Distractions While Eating

Many people have made dinner time the ideal time to work on their to-do lists or catch up on their favorite series. But while it may be tempting to engage in other activities while eating, experts highly recommend it.

Multi-tasking while eating prevents your brain from focusing on different tasks. Since you’re distracted, you won’t be able to savor each mouthful. Not to mention the fact that you could easily overeat.

Overeating results in constipation, further inhibiting your body’s ability to absorb essential nutrients.