What Does A Healthy Diet Consist Of

Eating healthy is a basic and simple way that we can fuel our bodies and feel great, both physically and mentally. What does a healthy diet consist of? This is a question with a wide array of possible answers.

It is important to understand that the term “diet” does not refer to fads, overnight weight loss products or extreme means of losing weight. The definition of diet is simply one’s eating habits and how they fit into one’s lifestyle.

Eating healthy begins with you. If you are experiencing particular health issues, weight problems or allergic reactions, try incorporating “clean” eating patterns which, consistently and over time, will help your body to function optimally.

The Effects of a Poor Diet

Physically, the effects of a poor diet are usually observable right away. Unhealthy people are not, always fat and it is very possible to have an average-weighted or even skinny person who is unhealthy. Thus, one’s weight is not the only usable indication of health. Other signs of a poor diet could be:

• unexplainable aches/pains
• headaches
• extreme fatigue/lack of energy
• joint pressure
• muscle spasms
• sleeplessness
• dental problems
• nausea/loss of appetite
• stomach pain 

Fad dieting and starving yourself is extremely bad for your health. Further, most pre-packaged meals, though low in caloric content, do not offer much in terms of nutrition when compared to the plentiful vitamins and minerals found in freshly prepared, colorful meals. Hence, fad dieters can end up looking skinnier as a result of malnourishment or starvation. This is not only unhealthy, but is dangerous to be mentally running on empty.

Rather than depend on drive-thru or microwavable instant foods, try eating clean—eat foods your body can digest easily and rapidly obtain nutrients from. Stuffing yourself with a heavy meal forces your body to overwork itself and makes you feel tired and bloated and put on excess weight.

Eat Your Rainbow

You may have heard nutrition experts use the phrase, “eat your rainbow.” This is a fun way to say: eat a variety of different colored foods.

 Avoiding eating only meat and potatoes. Rather, eat leafy greens, purple eggplant, red fruits and yellow squash, etc. Eating colorfully takes exerting a little effort to get creative with fruits, vegetables, meats, fish and healthy grains. Try thinking outside the box, and try a new food once a week. Also, switch out high-fat foods for healthier alternatives.

Instead of drowning a baked potato in fatty sour cream, for example, try a sweet potato with Greek yogurt. Also, if there is a protein shake product you enjoy, try blending in some fresh fruits or vegetables. The more servings of fresh fruits/vegetables you get per day, the more minerals, vitamin C and other essential nutrients you will receive.

Using Food to Heal Yourself

Depending on the specific mental or physical ailment you are experiencing, there is likely a corresponding nutritional deficiency that, once located and addressed, will make a huge difference. The immune system, which is responsible for fighting viruses and general well-being, responds well to Vitamin C which can be found naturally in guavas, sweet red peppers, oranges and kiwis. Next time you’re battling the common cold, try those delicious fresh foods as a natural remedy.

Also, take into consideration your personal situation. If you have food allergies or intolerances, factor these into building the right diet for you. If you have a gluten intolerance, for example, or you react negatively to dairy, research creative replacement food items so you can begin to feel better both physically and mentally. 

Source: http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_eating_diet.htm