Wellness Tip - The Importance of Eating Healthy!
This Month's Wellness Tip focuses on the importance of Eating Healthy!
How do you get started on healthy eating?
Healthy eating starts with eating a variety of healthy foods each day, such as eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and protein foods. Small gradual changes can make a big difference! Some tips for starting:
- Choose food with healthy fats instead of saturated fat.
- Try to limit highly processed foods.
- Prepare meals and snacks with less added sodium, sugars, or saturated fat.
- Make water your drink of choice. Replace sugary drinks with water.
- Use food labels.
- Be aware that food advertising can influence your choices.
Why pay attention to what you eat?
Healthy eating will help you get the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients. It will help you feel your best and have plenty of energy. A healthy diet also plays a major role in helping our bodies to handle stress more effectively.
How do you make healthy eating a habit?
First, think about your reasons for healthier eating. Do you want to improve your health? Do you want to feel better? Are you trying to set an example for your kids?
Next, think about some small changes you can make. Pick ones you can keep doing.
- Don't try to change everything at once.
- Set an easy goal you can reach, like having some veggies and fruit each day.
Where can you get support?
Having support from others can be a huge help. The more support you have, the easier it will be to make changes. Changing habits with others can make the transition easier. Try asking family and friends to practice healthy eating with you. Sharing healthy and delicious recipes can be a great motivator!
If you need more help, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian. There is also plenty of information online to support healthy eating transitions. For more information and tips, visit: Healthy Eating Tips
References
Citations
- Health Canada (2011). Canada's Food Guide: Estimated energy requirements. Available online: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/basics-base/1_1_1-eng.php.