5 Tips and Tricks for Better Nutrition
March is National Nutrition Month, which means it’s the perfect time to focus on improving your nutrition. To help celebrate the occasion, we’ve compiled a list of five tips and tricks that we hope will help you get on the path to better nutrition and health.
1. Eat Whole, Natural, Unprocessed Foods
Improving your diet begins with ditching processed and fast foods in favor of whole, natural foods. Not only are unprocessed foods more nutritious, but they’re also generally lower in calories. This makes unprocessed foods a great choice if you’re trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet. So, next time you’re at the grocery store, make sure to fill your cart with lots of healthy, unprocessed foods.
2. Aim for 30 Grams of Fiber Daily
With only about five percent of the American population consuming the recommended amount of fiber, it’s safe to say that most of us could stand to eat a bit more.
The US population has an average intake of only 14 grams of fiber each day. That is well below the recommended 30 grams of fiber per day for adults. Fortunately, increasing your fiber intake can be easy. Try eating more high-fiber foods such as:
- Lentils
- Beans
- Broccoli
- Whole grains
- Nuts
Benefits of a High-Fiber Diet
Having a high-fiber diet comes with a host of health benefits. For example, fiber helps normalize bowel movements and prevent constipation. Fiber may also help you maintain a healthy weight by making you feel fuller for longer and regulating blood sugar levels.
3. Include Healthy Fats in Your Diet
While fat often has a negative connotation, it’s important to remember that not all fats are bad for you. Your body needs fat to function properly. For example, healthy fats from fish, avocados, nuts, and flaxseeds may help improve heart health and cognitive function.
The Benefits of Healthy Fats
Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are excellent choices for improving your nutrition. These healthy fats may help:
- Lower your risk of heart disease and stroke
- Lower bad cholesterol levels
- Reduce blood pressure
While these fats may improve your nutrition, not all fats are created equal. Trans fats and saturated fats should be avoided as they may negatively affect your health.
4. Eat a Rainbow of Fruits and Veggies
Eating an assortment of fruits and vegetables will provide you with a well-rounded intake of nutrients. These brightly colored foods are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are essential for good health.
Moreover, by switching up your produce, you’ll be able to enjoy different flavors and textures. This will help keep mealtime exciting and encourage you to eat more fruits and veggies.
5. Engage in Physical Activities You Enjoy
Whether it’s going for a run, biking, or playing your favorite sport, make sure you do something that gets you moving. Not only does exercise help improve your physical health, but it may also have positive effects on your mental wellbeing.
Even a moderate amount of activity each day may help reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and boost energy levels. There are endless possibilities when choosing an exercise. So choose something you enjoy and make it part of your daily routine.
Optimize Your Practice With Outset Health
Outset health will be continuing the National Nutrition Month celebrations through April. We are excited to participate in The American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) Annual Spring World Congress.
April 29-20, 2022, learn how encouraging healthy eating habits and proper nutrition can optimize your patient care. Visit Outset Health booth 1123 and see how we may help your practice. Click here to schedule a time to speak with an Outset representative to learn more.