The foods you eat have big effects on your health and quality of life.
Although eating healthy can be fairly simple, the rise in popular “diets” and dieting trends has caused confusion.
You should aim to consume whole foods at least 80-90% of the time.
The term “whole foods” generally describes natural, unprocessed foods containing only one ingredient.
If the product looks like it was made in a factory, then it’s probably not a whole food.
Whole foods tend to be nutrient-dense and have a lower energy density. This means that they have fewer calories and more nutrients per serving than processed foods.
In contrast, many processed foods have little nutritional value and are often referred to as “empty” calories. Eating them in large amounts is linked to obesity and other diseases.
Your calorie intake is a key factor in weight control and health.
By controlling your portions, you are more likely to avoid consuming too many calories.
While whole foods are certainly a lot harder to overeat than processed foods, they can still be eaten in excess.
If you are overweight or trying to lose body fat, it’s particularly important to monitor your portion size.
Hydration and water intake are also important. Drink when you’re thirsty and stay well hydrated all day.
Finally, try to minimize stress. Long-term stress is linked to many health problems.
