What Kind of Foods Should I Be Stocking up on?
When making the commitment to get healthy and eat better, it is extremely important to surround yourself with the proper types of foods. You need to plan your meals, design a grocery-shopping list, and stick to it. Believe it or not, many diets actually fail in the aisles of a grocery store. If you do not know what to buy or plan your food choices in advance, you will end up wandering the store aimlessly and choosing foods that simply sound good at the time. These choices, however, may not be the best or the healthiest. Below are some types of foods that you should be stocking up on.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables need to make up the largest percentage of your diet, and you should make sure you buy plenty so that you can consume the recommended three to five daily servings. Fresh fruits and vegetables are low in calories, high in fiber, fat free, and packed with all kinds of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Select a wide variety of items so that you can alternate foods to keep boredom at bay.
Whole Grains: Choose a wide variety of whole grain breads, rice, pastas, and cereals. Avoid purchasing any products that contain processed or refined sugars. Whole grain foods provide many health benefits, are high in fiber, low in fat, and pack plenty of vitamins and minerals.
Meats and Lean Proteins: Lean protein options, such as fish and poultry should make up most of this category. Other great sources of lean protein include eggs, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Any prepared meat items, breaded or fried meats, and prepackaged foods should be avoided.
Dairy: Opt for low fat, or fat free dairy choices. Most types of milk, cheeses, and yogurt have reduced fat and calorie options, which taste much like the real deal. For even leaner and healthier options, goats milk products and soy products can be substituted for traditional dairy items.
Beverages: This category can undo all of your good progress. People tend not to count fat and calories that they drink, which can really wreak havoc on your diet. Some appropriate choices include: water, 100% fruit juices, low fat milk, soymilk, reduced calorie soft drinks, and herbal teas.
Finally, this is the part most people hate, but you need to skip the junk! As tempting as those delicious cakes, cookies, chips, and other sweet and salty treats are, you need to leave them on the shelves of the store. These foods only encourage extra snacking, and add tons of unwanted fat and calories.
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