Keeping up with the latest nutrition news can fell impossible – why are the top tips always changing? Still, although wellness experts seem to always change their minds about the nitty-gritty of nutrition, there are some basic principles that you can take to the bank. In fact, having this basic knowledge in place will help you to sift through the latest research and advice more effectively – happy days!
In order to master the nutrition basics, you mainly need to get your head around food groups, calories and the roles that specific nutrients play in your health and wellbeing. If the basics aren’t enough for you, and you want to become a wellness expert in your own right (or near enough), talk to your GP or a dietician. While the internet is great and there’s a wealth of information out there, a doctor or dietician can give you personalised advice that takes into account your health status, lifestyle, and food likes and dislikes – much easier than doing it all yourself.
Still, we’re getting ahead of ourselves here. In order to adopt a healthy diet, you need to set off on the right foot. A lot of diet plans that are outlined in magazines and cookbooks are similar, but you need to make sure you follow one that’s healthy. Firstly, your diet plan needs to include a variety of foods from the major food groups: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, lean protein, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats. It also needs to provide you with guidelines for how much food to choose from each group.
Moreover, your eating plan has to be practical; there’s no point following a programme that includes a load of weird, specialist foods, as you’re just not going to find them in your local shops. The foods on your eating plan need to fit your tastes, lifestyle and budget, or you’ll never keep up with it. Also, take a look at your personal health risks and needs. If you have cholesterol or high blood pressure, for example, you may need to make sure your diet is low in salt, saturated fat and cholesterol, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats. Again, speaking to your doctor or a dietician can help you out a lot.
Once you’ve sorted out what to include in your diet, it’s time to take a look at your cooking techniques. There aren’t many pleasures in life that can beat good food; meals are at the heart of family life, fellowship and celebrations. This is why, on a personal level, it’s so important to make sure you’re making good food that’s good for you. Everyone wants to protect their family from heart disease and other health problems, so move away from calorie-laden, fatty and salty convenience items. Get creative and start experimenting with healthier, but still quick, cooking techniques, like baking, grilling and sautéing.
While you’re learning about clever and healthy ways to cook your food, make sure you get the skinny on food safety tips – after all, there’s no point eating your veggies if they’re laden with bacteria! Still, while giving your old recipes a health and safety makeover is a great way to get you and your family eating more healthfully, why not go the whole hog and try something new and adventurous? Get your juices flowing to plan healthy menus by browsing healthy recipes online and in cookbooks. Kids are less likely to be turned off to new meals than changes to their old favourites, especially if you make them part of the cooking process.
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