Improving your eating habits is one of the best decisions you can make for your body. With proper nutrition, you can increase your longevity and improve your overall sense of well-being. However, if you're unsure of where to start, this can seem like an overwhelming process. These four ways will help you to get more whole foods in your diet.
Whole Food Supplements
You've no doubt seen these in pharmacies and health food stores. Whole food supplements help provide your body with the nutrition of a wholesome diet without filling you up beyond comfort. You can use whole food supplements in any area you might be deficient in, such as calcium or vitamin B12 (for vegans). Make sure that you're not relying solely on whole food supplements and that you're receiving proper nutrition and adequate calories from fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates.
Drink Your Nutrition
You might find that you can't summon the appetite necessary to consume as many whole foods as you need. Fortunately, if you have a blender, you're in good hands. You can make liquid concoctions such as smoothies and milkshakes that you fill with wholesome, nutritious ingredients. Not only is this a fast and easy way to receive nutrition, but you can also combine a variety of whole foods in one creation without feeling stuffed. This can be perfect for an after-workout boost or even making a nice hot soup on a chilly evening.
Purchase Foods With Added Nutrition
Instead of buying separate items at the grocery store with different nutritional benefits, purchase one item that combines those benefits. For instance, look for the boxes of pasta whose noodles are created with a combination of real vegetables. This will help provide you with nutrition without having to worry about adding additional vegetables to your meal. Plus, it can also help to save a few dollars on your grocery bill.
Invest in Flaxseeds
Would you believe there's a tiny little wonder that you can add to just about any dish to increase your overall nutrition substantially without even noticing it? Flaxseeds are that wonder. The benefits they boast include decreased cholesterol, better digestion and even a lower cancer risk. Flaxseeds have been regarded as a "superfood," and with evidence like that, it's not hard to see why. The added beauty of flaxseeds is that you can reap their benefits with a shake of a spoon. Simply add a small portion of flaxseeds to your healthy breakfast, such as a fruit smoothie or oatmeal. A little bit goes a long way and it'll hardly be noticeable as you eat. Eventually, the routine of adding flaxseeds will become quite normal and you'll be able to feel the benefits of flaxseeds on your body.
Many people say that they want to eat better, but since they have no clear objective or implied willpower, their words are merely wishes that are bound to go unfulfilled. In order to eat better, you need to make proper lifestyle changes. However, those changes require proper planning in order to take effect. By following these four ways to get more whole foods in your diet, you can benefit yourself tremendously by starting off your journey of wholesome eating on the right foot. You might have trouble with discipline and willpower at first, but by sticking with it, you can see the benefits of your decision down the line. Plus, you'll be able to look back at where you started and realize how much of a positive difference it ultimately made.
By Kara Masterson
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