Good nutrition is probably the primary component of health. While it may take slightly more time to prepare healthy meals than to run to Burger King, and it may cost a bit more to purchase 100% whole wheat bread than the less nutritious, white bread alternative, when you consider that in the long run, you are prolonging your life and saving on doctor bills, good nutrition is worth every extra penny spent.
In fact, improving the health and nutrition of yourself and your family will not merely reduce the risk of disease. It will enable optimal mental and physical development as well. Your children’s future SAT scores and their athletic prowess depend, to some extent, upon what you put in the shopping cart at the grocery store.
Of course, proper health and nutrition sounds easier than it is. Getting enough fiber, getting enough vitamins and minerals, not getting too much fat, calories, or sodium…the list of things you have to watch out for goes on and on. It might be easier to begin good health and nutrition gradually. So where should you start?
The best place to begin is with fruits and vegetables. Our recommendation is that you eat one serving of a fruit or vegetable before every meal, and two to three snacks of fruits or vegetables during the day. There are several reasons for this. First, fruits and vegetables are the most nutrient-packed foods you can eat. From broccoli, which contains calcium, to carrots, a good source for Vitamin A, to oranges, which are rich in Vitamin C, fruits and vegetables are laden with vitamins and minerals your body needs to repair itself and remain healthy.
And the benefits of fruits and veggies don’t stop there. Almost all of them are fat free, low in calories, and high in fiber, all of which will help you reduce the risk of heart disease. Furthermore, many of them contain antioxidants, which, among other things, help the skin retain its elasticity and youthful appearance. Why waste money on plastic surgery when vegetables will do the trick?
Some of the best fruits and vegetables you can eat to improve health and nutrition include:
- Blueberries. Antioxidants and flavonoids in blueberries will help your body fight infection, remain younger looking, and avoid cancer.
- Broccoli. There’s a reason your mom always made you eat this. Broccoli contains folate, riboflavin, calcium, and Vitamins A, C, and K. It is also fat free and high in dietary fiber.
- Bananas. Who says health can’t taste good? Bananas are a good source for potassium and pyridoxine.
- Avocados. They taste great on sandwiches, and are also a good source for Vitamin E, lutein, and magnesium.
These are just a few fruits and veggies to get you started! Eat a wide variety to make sure you get all the essential vitamins and minerals.
It’s never too late to start practicing good nutrition. Begin by adding fruits and vegetables into your diet, and even if you never move beyond that stage, you will reap substantial health benefits.
By Riannon Cutler