The Benefits of Following a Healthy Diet
Eating right isn’t just about fitting into your skinny jeans. It’s also about having enough energy to power through your day, keeping disease at bay and sharpening your cognition. Many will tell you that it all comes down to nutrients — and the best way to get those all-important nutrients is by following a healthy diet.
Sure, you could take a supplement or two, but nothing can replace the benefits of a nutritious meal. For one thing, when you eat healthy foods, your body is better able to absorb the nutrients. Additionally, a healthy diet provides other beneficial substances, such as antioxidants, that supplements simply can’t match. From better skin to lower rates of heart disease, a healthy diet that suits your lifestyle has countless benefits.
What to Consider When Choosing a Diet
Trying a new diet can be overwhelming, and knowing which is right for you can be tricky. But even if you’ve narrowed your options, there’s still plenty to think about. So ask yourself the following questions:
- What are your goals? Are you trying to lose weight, gain muscle or improve your overall health?
- What are your food preferences? Do you like to eat meat, or are you a vegetarian?
- What are your lifestyle considerations? Do you have any allergies or dietary restrictions?
- What is your budget? Are you willing to pay more for organic foods, or are you looking for a more affordable option?
- What is your timeline? Are you looking for a quick fix, or are you interested in long-term results and lasting lifestyle changes?
By answering these questions, you’ll help yourself narrow down the options and choose a diet that is right for you.
Sample Diets That Might Work for You
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably tried a fad diet or two in your lifetime. From Atkins to Keto, there are a seemingly endless number of diets out there that make many promises: Drop weight, boost your immune system and be the best you!
But which ones actually work? While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, a few popular diets have proven effective for many people and are backed by science and research. These include:
- The Mediterranean Diet – Consistently ranked as one of the best diets in the world, this heart-healthy eating plan emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, olive oil and fish. It limits red meat, processed foods and sugary drinks. Research into the Mediterranean diet shows it can help reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer. Get the benefits of the Mediterranean diet delivered to your doorstep with a subscription to a Mediterranean diet meal delivery program.
- Low Sodium Diet – This diet is ideal for people with high blood pressure or other heart-related conditions. The goal of the low sodium diet is to reduce your salt intake, which can help lower your blood pressure and improve your heart health. To do this, you’ll need to avoid processed foods and eat more fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains. You can also benefit from a low sodium diet by using a salt substitute or cooking with herbs and spices instead of salt.
- Low-FODMAP Diet – This diet has gained popularity in recent years, thanks to the ground breaking research of those who developed it at Monash University in Australia. This diet is often recommended for people with gastrointestinal issues like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The low-FODMAP diet involves avoiding foods high in certain carbohydrates (known as FODMAPs) that can aggravate digestive symptoms. While the low-FODMAP diet can be challenging to follow, it can be very effective for those who suffer from chronic digestive issues. Make it easier to follow by signing up for a low-FODMAP meal plan service that delivers what you need to your home.
Tips for Staying on Track with Your Diet Plan
Once you’ve chosen a diet, it’s essential to stick with it. Here are a few tips to help you stay on track:
- Make sure you’re prepared. Before starting your diet, ensure you have all the supplies you need, such as food scales, measuring cups and spoons and storage containers.
- Meal prep. One of the best ways to stick to your diet is to meal prep in advance. This means cooking ahead of time and portioning out your food for the week. If you can’t shop and prep, use a meal delivery service to do it for you.
- Set yourself up for success. Don’t put yourself in situations where you’re likely to cheat on your diet. If you know you can’t resist the tempting smells of your favorite restaurant, for example, don’t go there.
- Find a support group. There’s nothing like having a group of people to help keep you accountable. Whether it’s an online forum or an in-person meetup group, find others following the same diet plan as you and support each other while keeping each other accountable.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself. If you have a slip-up, don’t beat yourself up. Just get back on track and keep going.
- Reward yourself. Celebrate your successes — big and small. Treat yourself to something special when you reach a milestone, like a new workout outfit or a massage. Remember that rewards shouldn’t be food-based.
Following these tips will help you stay on track with your diet and see the results you’re looking for.
The Best Diet? The One That Works for You!
The best diet is the one that works for you. If you can find a diet that fits your lifestyle and you’re willing to stick with it, you’re likely to see results. However, if you find a particular diet too restrictive or it doesn’t fit your lifestyle, don’t be afraid to try another one. There are plenty of diets out there to choose from, so finding one that’s right for you shouldn’t be difficult. Just remember to stay motivated and keep track of your progress so you can see how well the diet is working for you.