Eating healthy doesn’t have to start in the new year– you can resolve to make healthier food choices today! We understand that knowing how to start eating healthy can be overwhelming, so we’ve created this beginner’s guide so you can learn which nutrients to focus on and ways to improve your eating habits:
Components Of A Healthy Diet
- Protein
Protein is one of the building blocks of a healthy diet because it helps you feel full and energized. Eggs, chicken, fish, tofu, edamame, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, beans, lentils, legumes, nuts, seeds, and peanut butter are all examples of good protein sources you should add to your plate at each meal.
- Whole Grains
Another vital component of a well-balanced diet is carbohydrates– yes, you read that right! Carbohydrates, specifically in the form of whole grains, are required in order for your body to function properly and produce energy. Instead of refined carbohydrates found in most packaged crackers, snacks, breads, and pasta that have little nutritional value and result in blood sugar spikes, whole grains consist of complex carbohydrates that provide long-lasting energy and more fiber. Examples of complex carbs include quinoa, oats, wheat or whole grain bread, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta.
- Fruits & Vegetables
In addition to protein, fiber is an important nutrient for keeping you full and satisfied, and fresh fruits and vegetables are great sources of fiber. They’re also packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to support a healthy immune system, among many other bodily systems and processes.
- Healthy Fats
Just like with carbohydrates, not all fats are bad. Certain healthy fats found in olive oil, avocado, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish are beneficial for vitamin absorption, brain health, blood sugar and cholesterol management, and heart function.
Best Tips On How To Start Eating Healthy
- Do the majority of your shopping in the outer perimeter of the grocery store.
- Plan your meals ahead of time to reduce how much you grab convenient, less healthy foods or order takeout.
- Don’t cut out your favorite foods– everything in moderation!
- Eat a variety; make your plate colorful!
- Skip heavy sauces and condiments– cook with spices and herbs.
Take a look at these gut health tips for more advice about supporting optimal digestion!
Top Nutritional Supplements For Beginners
Eating a well-balanced diet is the best way to ensure you’re getting enough of your daily nutrients. However, sometimes it’s necessary to give your body an extra boost by taking a daily nutritional supplement. For overall nutrition support, we recommend these two products, which you can buy at our pharmacy or on our website:
Houck’s Fruits and Greens– available in strawberry kiwi and mixed berry flavors, this powdered superfood drink mix is packed with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other nutrients that support the body’s natural energy, metabolism, fat-burning, digestion, detoxification, immunity, repair, recovery, revitalization, and longevity. Plus, it’s free of sugar, preservatives, caffeine, or other stimulants!
Houck’s Multicomplete– formulated based on scientific research, this multivitamin includes alpha lipoic acid, N-acetyl cysteine, and acetyl L-carnitine, a powerful trio shown to recharge cellular energy production. Other key micronutrients and phytonutrients include green tea, broccoli seed extract, and resveratrol.
We hope this guide can help you learn how to start eating healthy. Interested in more information about optiming your nutrition and digestion? Check out our other guide on how to boost metabolism naturally!
