There are many different diets floating around at the moment. Each one has their own theory, methodology, and general weight loss philosophy. But no matter how much they differ from one another, all diet plans are concerned with improving your health and helping you to regulate and manage your body effectively. Since all diets have a common goal, there are naturally certain elements that every diet has in common with one another. Specifically, there are certain essentials that distinguish a good and healthy diet from an unhealthy one. Read on to find out what you should expect from your diet to make sure that it is healthy.
Defining a Healthy Diet
There are many aspects to a healthy diet, but at the end of the day, a healthy diet is one that provides the body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function properly. Every person’s nutrient needs are different. It is natural that the requirements for a person’s body will change according to that person’s genes, health, physical activity, etc.
There is no one size fits all when it comes to determining the proper balance of nutrients to include in your diet. But it is safe to say that you can make a healthy diet by sticking to a certain few guidelines.
1. Eat whole foods – avoid processed foods
It can actually be a challenge to avoid processed or refined foods. Just about everything that has a shelf life has been made with some type of processed food. You should avoid these foods because they are less nutritious than their non processed counterparts.
2. Prioritize vegetables and fruits
Fruits and vegetables have the highest concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. They are nutrient power houses that will help your bodily systems function optimally.
3. Include a good source of protein
No matter what diet you subscribe to, even if it’s a vegan diet, you will have to include some type of protein. But not all protein is made equally. Plant based protein specifically, is missing some essential amino acids. You will have to utilize multiple sources of protein to keep your diet optimal.
