Good nutrition is the key to a healthy life. Here are five simple health and nutrition tips:
- Avoid drinking your calories. Sugary drinks are one of the most fattening things you can eat or drink because the brain doesn’t register liquid calories the same way it does solid calories. Sugary drinks are also strongly associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and other problems.
- Avoid frying meat in grease or oil. It is much healthier to bake, grill or broil meat. Be sure to take the skin off turkey or chicken before eating. Try to incorporate fish into your meals at least once per week.
- Avoid processed food. Processed junk food is a major cause of obesity in the United States. These foods actually trick the brain into eating more than needed, leading to addiction in some people. They are also low in fiber and protein and high in sugar and refined grains.
- Eat fruits and vegetables with both meals and snacks. Packed with vitamins and minerals — they contain vital nutrients the body needs. They may also reduce heart disease, high blood pressure and some cancers.
- Stay hydrated by drinking at least eight cups of water each day. If you want to branch out, try some tea. Sports drinks, soda, flavored milk or sweetened iced tea add sugar and calories to your diet.
- Don’t shy away from coffee. The truth is, coffee is actually healthy for you. It is high in antioxidants and studies have shown coffee drinkers live longer and have a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and many others.