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To ensure a healthy and proper diet you should be smart about your food choices, so knowing what to eat is the key to following a good nutritious diet. Healthy food products are nutritious, whole food, familiar, readily available, affordable and delicious. A healthy diet can be divided into various food groups or categories such as vegetables especially leafy green vegetables, beans, fruits, dried fruits, dairy products, meat/non-vegetarian such as fish, whole grain products, liquid and healthy snacks. Under each category there are listed some of the healthiest food items we can consume and add to our daily diets. Let us learn about a few of them:
- Fruits- Just like vegetables, it is a known fact that fruits are highly recommended for a good healthy diet. Here to some fruits are packed with more nutrients than others, fruits such as an apple which is filled with fiber, vitamin c and is good for blood sugar regulation, helps with better digestion and in retaining carbohydrates. It is advised to eat it whole with the skin on. Banana is another healthy fruit option which is packed with vitamins and minerals. Its creamy delicious flavor makes it a popular fruit choice amongst adults and children. The avocado is a unique type of fruit and is often used in many healthy diets. It contains healthy fats, nutrients and is loaded with fiber.
- Dried fruits - As healthy snacking goes dried fruits are the way to go. Dried fruits such as almonds are the top choice; they can be eaten as more than a snack and included in your meals such as in salads, pasta or your vegetables. They help monitor your blood sugar and prevent heart diseases. Raisins are another healthy choice; they contain antioxidants which fight against formation of certain kinds of bacteria which cause gum disease and inflammation. You can also add other dried fruits such as walnuts and cashews to your healthy diet.
- Dairy products- It is wise to include some dairy produce to your regular diet. Yogurt or if you are more health conscious low-fat yogurt is one of the healthiest foods available to us. Yogurt and yogurt- type drinks contain probiotics which fight against various bacteria produced in the body and fights against gum disease. Organic cheese and milk are both beneficial to maintaining a healthy diet and should be part of your daily eating habit.
- Whole grain products - They include products such as brown rice which is full of magnesium, fiber and has fatty acids. You can also opt for whole wheat which makes many healthy food products such as bread, noodles, pasta and even baked god such as cookies and biscuits. So you can choose to take rye bread or brown bread which is healthier and nutritious choices. A bowl of fresh hot oatmeal is one of the best ways to start your day and ensure a nutritious diet. It helps keep your cholesterol in check thus preventing many heart related diseases.
- Liquid - Under this category is water or h20, the all-time cleansing product for your body and essential for your body and sustains your health. You are recommended to drink at least 2 liters of water daily and as much as possible during or after your meals. Green tea is another product which works wonders, it contains antioxidants which help flush out harmful toxins from your system and thus to detoxify your body. It can be taken after eating rich heavy meals or after you eat as well as before you go to bed or first thing in the morning.
- Healthy snacking - You can now enjoy snack time without having to worry how it will affect your diet. Ditch those unhealthy packet snacks for more nutritious and tasty snacks such as ragi and oatmeal cookies, sunflower and flax seeds, also the much loved nutrient and protein bars.