Currently, the total amount of obese individuals living on this planet is at an all-time high, so high in fact, that obesity has now reached epidemic proportions. Because of this, the average life expectancy nowadays, is actually shorter than it was a generation ago, which, considering the advancements in modern science and medicine, is nothing short of preposterous.
A lack of exercise, a sedentary lifestyle, and poor dietary habits are the primary reasons for our declining health, but what can be done?
Well, as it turns out, quite a lot. Eating and drinking healthily needn’t be a challenge, and to prove this, here’s a quick look at just 6 nutrition tips of the many, many nutritional tips out there designed to promote healthy living.
Drink more water
Our bodies are made up of almost 80% water, so that alone should serve as some form of indication that this wonderful liquid is incredibly important for us. Water is essential for organ function, especially the brain. On top of that, water can also boost our metabolisms by as much as 30%, allowing us to burn more calories and enjoy more energy.
Aim to drink around 2 liters of water per day, and ideally opt for mineral water, or failing that, go with basic filtered.
Eat more oily fish
A lot of people out there deliberately avoid oily fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel, because these fishes are rich in oils, and therefore high in calories. While true, the fats found in oily fish are incredibly healthy and beneficial.
In particular, omega-3 fatty acids are found in these fishes, which have been found to protect our organs, boost metabolism, and reduce the risk of diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and even dementia.
Make sure you are getting enough fresh
vegetables
Experts recommend 5 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables each day, so make sure you’re getting enough. While fruits are very good for you, you should focus more on veggies as fruits do contain natural sugars. Vegetables are loaded full of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that promote all kinds of health benefits in the human body.
Try bulking meals out with diced vegetables, or if you prefer, you could blend them in sauces, or serve them as a side dish.
Don’t overcook your vegetables
Though vegetables are very good for you, if you cook them for too long you can actually cook away many of their natural nutrients. By all means soften your vegetables if you like them that way, but try not to boil them down until they’re more like a mush, as many of their nutrients will no longer be present.
Ensure you are getting enough healthy proteins
Protein is critical for the growth and repair of muscle tissue, not to mention for cellular health and function. While you don’t need to eat like a bodybuilder, experts still recommend that you consume around 0.6g of protein per day, for every pound that you weigh. Great sources of protein include: white meat, red meat, fish, seafood, organic eggs, nuts, and seeds.
Stop drinking diet soda
One very common mistake that people make when trying to lose weight and to be healthier, is that they drink diet soda. They see the word ‘diet’ on the label and automatically associate it with being healthy. Diet soda is trash. It doesn’t contain sugar, instead, it contains artificial chemical sweeteners, which are far worse.
These chemicals have been linked with dementia, cancer, irritability, mood swings, headaches, migraines, fatigue, insomnia, and much more besides. Instead of diet sodas, stick with water instead.
