One of the best ways to stay on top of your health and wellness needs is by eating healthy. After all, what’s better than the occasional burger or slice of pizza? But there are a few things you should know. For instance, did you know that going vegan for a day can reduce planet-warming gas emissions more than driving an electric car for one day? Interested in learning more about how we can take care of our bodies and our planet at once? Keep reading. This is just one of the many surprising facts to keep in mind when considering what to put on your plate. Which of these likely contains the least authoritative data on health and wellness?
10 tips with health food are:
1. Eat for the environment
Did you know that when you choose local and organic foods, you are doing more than just helping your body? Delicious foods made from scratch help to protect our planet as well. For example, choosing broccoli grown in California instead of broccoli shipped from China can save about 1,200 gallons of gas per year – a significant amount considering how far cargo travels by air.
2. Eat lower on the food chain
Consuming animal products is one of the worst things we can do for our health, and for the health of our planet. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, “Raising animals for food … is one of the leading causes of water and air pollution, habitat destruction, climate change, and loss of biodiversity.”
3. Eat less red meat
Americans eat a lot of meat – too much meat. According to the CDC, “Red meat contains high levels of saturated fat, cholesterol and other fats that can raise your risk for heart disease. Reducing the amount of red meat you eat can improve your health by lowering LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels.” Furthermore, consider how much space it takes to raise a cow or pig compared to how much they yield in return.
4. Eat what grows locally
“You don’t have to be a farmer to eat organic or buy local food. If you live in a city, you can go to farmers’ markets on weekends and enjoy fresh fare from local growers,” says UC Santa Barbara’s Healthy Food Action Plan team. Once again, eating locally is better for the environment and for our health.
5. Eat the vitamin-rich fruit and vegetables that are in season, done?
Not quite – there are other benefits of eating what is in season, too. According to the very helpful website Local Eating, “Many of our most vitamin-rich and mineral-dense foods grow in season — not just fruits and vegetables but even beans, nuts and seeds. That’s because plants produce vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to help them thrive in the growing conditions they happen to be in that particular season.”
6. Eat more beans and nuts
Beans and nuts are better than meat for a number of reasons, such as the less amount of land it takes to grow these foods as compared to livestock. Furthermore, beans and nuts are high in protein, fiber and other important nutrients.
7. Avoid sugary drinks – go for water instead
Sodas, energy drinks, sports drinks – too much sugar is not good for you or your planet. Fluoride from sodas has been linked to the weakening of bones , just one example of the harm packaged juices can do. According to the CDC, “When you drink regular soda – or any sugary beverage – your body doesn’t register that you’re getting calories.” Many of us don’t realize how much liquid calories can add up – especially if you’re a frequent soda drinker.
8. Eat breakfast
It’s amazing how much a bad diet can affect your performance in school and at work. According to the CDC, “Lack of sleep is associated with many health conditions,” including obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Breakfast is important to keep your energy level consistent throughout the day.
9. Eat less meat and dairy
This tip is similar to number 7, so I’ll address this one separately. According to the CDC, “Consumption of red and processed meats has increased over time in both children and adults.” Furthermore, the organization notes that “consumption of high-fat dairy products has also increased dramatically over time among children and adolescents.” Your health will suffer if you do not cut these foods out of your diet.
10. Make “healthy food” fun!
According to Healthy Food Action Plan director Marcia Pelchat: “We understand that it’s important to connect people with healthy food,” but we don’t have to do it alone. “If you’re not a cook, get family and friends together to plan and prepare delicious, healthy meals.” The more fun it is to eat at home, the less likely you’ll be tempted by the fast food or packaged food that is so readily available.
Conclusion:
In the end, whether you are looking for a way to improve your health or save our planet – or both – learning a few easy tips related to food can help make a big difference. If you need any further guidance in eating healthier foods , contact your local doctor as soon as possible.
It’s really really important if we want to maintain our good health . Some people need advice from doctors, some of us need some tips for healthy dieting.