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5 Small Diet Changes for a Happier, Healthier Life

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Julia Nikolaus
5 Small Diet Changes for a Happier, Healthier Life

Almost everyone has healthy eating on the list of habits they want to have. However, when it comes to doing it, most people fall short. The idea of healthy eating and giving up the junk food they love the most becomes daunting, to the point where they give up entirely. We are here to help you avoid that. You don't need to make drastic changes to your diet or become obsessed with calorie counting to become healthy. Your healthy lifestyle can start with a few simple changes to your diet that are practical and sustainable. Keep reading because, in this article, we will give you five ideas for small diet changes that can make your life happier and healthier.



1. Switch to Healthy Fats


It’s rare to hear someone say eat more fats to live healthier, but that is what healthy fats can do. Fats are essential in your diet, so why not get them through healthy sources that carry a lower risk of heart disease and can help your body? Organic cooking oils like coconut and olive oil are great healthy fats that can replace your regular oils. Coconut oil is rich in MCTs, which have numerous other benefits for your mental and physical health. Olive oil is a longtime favorite and also an anti-inflammatory food that can reduce inflammation. Raw nuts and seeds are other rich sources of healthy fats, high in fiber, minerals, vitamins, and more. A handful of unsalted nuts are the perfect snack and delicious addition to your salads and yogurts.



2. Cut Back on Added Sugars


Added sugars should take up less than 10% of your daily caloric intake, but most people consume more artificial sugars through prepackaged foods and hot drinks. Cutting back on them is a small but very effective dietary change that can lead you to a healthier life. Over time, your taste buds will adjust to this change, and you will crave them less. Start reducing the amount of sugar you put in your coffee and try making your own salad dressings to limit your intake of added sugars.



3. Stop Eating Highly Processed Foods


Highly processed foods are completely different from their source. All the added ingredients, salt, sugars, and preservatives have changed their makeup. They have lost their nutrients and become harmful. Fast foods, chips, cookies, and white bread all belong to this category. Research shows that a 10% increase in consumption of highly processed foods can raise the chances of cardiovascular disease by 12%, coronary heart disease by 13%, and cerebrovascular disease by 11%. We are not telling you to stop eating them entirely, but try to cut back and limit them.


4. Eat More Fruits and Vegetables


Eating more fruits and veggies is one of the easiest ways of improving your diet. The CDC recommends a daily amount of 1.5-2 cups of fruit and 2-3 cups of vegetables, but only 1 in 10 adults follow this recommendation. Nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables can help you control your weight by filling you up with healthy fibers and vitamins. They are low in sodium and should take up half your plate at every meal. Try adding the vegetables you like to your salads or eating colorful fruits as a desert. If you are not a fan of fruits, there are fruit purees for sale you can try. If you forget you have fruits in your fridge, keep them in a bowl on the counter. Whatever you do, don't forget to nurture your body with these delicious natural treats.



5. Consume More Protein and Water

 

Drinking more water and eating more protein are some of the ways that you may be able to lose more weight. Protein is an essential part of your diet that helps your body function properly. It gives you energy, boosts your immune system, and strengthens your bones and muscles. Plus, it can help you stay full for a long time. Fill a quarter of your plate with proteins such as eggs, fish, lean beef, legumes, and more.


Along with protein, don't forget your water. Drinking plenty of water is one of the most effective weight loss tips that can help you lose weight, stay hydrated, and maintain a healthy appetite. Studies show that drinking a glass of water before meals can help you feel fuller and eat less. So keep your water bottle with you to stay refreshed and healthy throughout the day.


Start Living a Healthier Life


By making these small changes to your diet, you can get one step closer to living a happier, healthier life. Remember that healthy living is not just about what you eat but also about your physical activity and mental health. So start today and apply these changes to your life to become the best version of yourself!



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