Do you feel that sometimes you treat your body more like a shed than a temple? Many people don’t realise the effect the food you eat has on your health and overall sense of well-being. It’s worth remembering that fast food is just that – fast, and not a whole lot else. In the time it takes you to stand in line and squint up at the menu you could be in and out of your local grocers with the makings of a fine meal. Know what your body needs lots, some, and very little of and take it from there.
Lots of fruit and veg, wholegrains and fibre
Go for colour. Compare a chip butty with a tossed salad of leafy lettuce and crunchy peppers. OK, the chip butty might taste momentarily delicious but where are the antioxidants? Where are the health-enhancing vitamins? Where is the colour?? A quick fix gives you a sugar rush closely followed by an energy slump which will leave you dragging your temple through the rest of the day. Try to go for as many low-GI foods as possible; these are foods that slowly release their energy to stop the slump.
Some dairy and proteins
Calcium is essential for them bones and them teeth and is in plentiful supply in milk, cheese, yogurt and other dairy products. If you don’t do dairy for some reason, a lot of manufacturers are now fortifying juices and cereals with calcium. If possible though, try to get it naturally. Protein is found in dairy products, meat, fish and eggs. Go easy on the red meat and an egg a day is plenty. The vegetarians among you will need to get your protein from cereals, beans and pulses.
Very little fat
Don’t be alarmed, our bodies do need some fat, it’s the type of fat you’re eating that’s important. Saturated fats (bad) are found in cakes, biscuits, cream, butter, processed meats, etc. Unsaturated fats (good, in moderation) are found in oily fish, seeds, nuts, avocados, olive oil, etc. If you do eat processed food, keep a close eye on the nutritional information on the packaging. The average person should take in no more than 65 grams of fat in total each day, including less than 15 grams of saturated fats.
If you’re eating a balanced diet then you should be getting all the vitamins and minerals you need but many people like to take supplements to be on the safe side. Omega oils are great for boosting your brain power (the Eskimo brand is a good one, and won’t break the bank) and zinc will help your immune system. You could take a good multivitamin but, again, if you’re eating well save your money – you shouldn’t really need one.
For pointers on shopping for healthy food on a budget, have a read of this article. Investing a bit of time now in warding off the weight problems and illnesses that come from a bad diet is absolutely worth it. You’ll be kicking yourself if you don’t; if you can that is.
Tags: health tips, healthy eating
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