A Few Good Reasons Why Proper Nutrition Matters

A lot of people think good nutrition means only eating plain salads. Eating well doesn't have to be miserable. Gain a unique perspective on the food you eat by learning how it helps your body. Begin to appreciate food as nourishment by trying these simple tips to propel your nutrition efforts.

Get a protein boost and cut back on your meat consumption by incorporating a wide variety of beans and legumes into your diet. If you enjoy making Cuban dishes, be sure to use black beans. Additionally, you can substitute lentils for part or all of the meat in a number of dishes such as tacos. There are other foods that require no meat at all and have tons of fiber, including dips, quesadillas, soups and burritos.

One important health tip is to buy a blender that you can use to create fresh fruit smoothies. Replace ice cream and other desserts with this sweet treat. Satisfy your ice cream cravings with a healthy fruit smoothie.

You have to understand good nutrition before you can implement it. It's easy to be tricked into eating foods that seem healthy but really aren't. There is science behind nutrition and you need to understand this to eat properly.

Many people completely ignore their alcohol consumption levels when they are contemplating their net intake of calories. These people may follow a healthy diet plan all week long, but in just one night, all this hard work may be wasted. To put this into perspective, think about the fact that one gin and tonic contains approximately 140 calories. Now imagine consuming two or three in one night. The phrase "everything in moderation" applies to all foods and drink, even, and probably especially, alcohol.

Boost the nutritional quality of your favorite bread recipes by substituting half the flour with whole-wheat flour. This helps to keep the bread light and fluffy, yet much healthier. You will also be able to make bread more nutritious by using a lot less sugar and taking half of it out while adding applesauce for shortening instead.

Choose healthier dairy product options. By eliminating dairy products that are high in fat and replacing them with lower fat alternatives, you will eliminate tons of unnecessary calories and fat. Substitute plain yogurt for sour cream when you make dip. Try using evaporated milk that is fat free for cream. Instead of cream cheese, use ricotta cheese instead. These types of switches save on calories and fat without overly affecting the taste or texture of the dish.

Let your children help you shop for food. If you give them a choice of what fruits and veggies they want, then they're more likely to want to eat them. Doing this can also entice children to try out new foods, especially those with bright colors.

As you can see, eating a balanced, nutritious diet is easy and fun. There is a lot of room for creativity in the world of food, so it is a wonderful way to enhance your quality of life without limiting yourself. These tips are only the beginning to a new, healthier you!