1) Eat More Seafood
Seafood has a ton of benefits that are often overlooked by mainstream, trendy, or fad diets. However seafood is actually great for you and your
diet routine! When looking to eat healthier meals this is a truly NECESSARY part of your diet. You should try to eat seafood at least twice per week. Fish and seafood from colder deep sea's water are particularly high in omega-3 fatty acid. These acids help protect against many diseases such as; Alzheimer's, cancers, arthritis, high blood pressure, inflammations, depression, strokes, and heart disease. Seafood also provides a great source of low-fat protein in addition to the omega 3 acids.
For example a 6-ounce broiled porterhouse steak is a great source of protein-38 grams worth. But it also delivers 44 grams of fat, 16 of them saturated. That's almost three-fourths of the recommended daily intake for saturated fat. The same amount of salmon gives you 34 grams of protein and 18 grams of fat, 4 of them saturated. When trying to plan a seafood meal that's healthy stay away from shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or golden snapper because they contain high levels of mercury. Instead eat seafood such as shrimp, crab, crayfish, scallops, mussels, tilapia, salmon, and even canned light tuna.
2) Eat Leaner Proteins
When you take in sources of protein, other than seafood, it is important to get the leanest meats that are available at your local market. By leaner meats I mean meats such as chicken or pork. One thing you should avoid at all costs is processed meats for health reasons. Harvard's School of Public Health's website states that processed foods such as bacon, hot dogs, and deli meats have been linked to higher cancer, heart disease, and diabetes risk. If you feel you must eat red meat, as I do, try to buy angus beef steaks and pork tenderloin as they are a leaner meat. I personally try not to eat red meats more than once or twice every week although the rest of the time I stick to seafood and chicken.
3) Eat lots of Fruits and Vegetables
Eating fruits and vegetables is a staple of healthy eating. Fruits and vegetables contain essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Foods such as fruits and vegetables contain not only the vitamins and minerals that are often found in
dietary supplements but also other naturally occurring substances that may help protect you from chronic diseases such as strokes, cardiovascular diseases, and even certain cancers. As you look down at your plate you should always try to portion the plate with at least half of it as fruits and vegetables. Just make sure to change it up often so you don't get worn out eating the same things over and over. Don't think just green beans for dinner. The more colors the better so think salads or even grilled tomatoes, green peppers, and onions! The same goes with fruit. Don't just think an apple, a banana, or an orange instead get a fruit bowl of grapes, melon, cantaloupe, pineapple, strawberry's, or the like!
4) Drink More Water
Since a large majority of the body is water based this shouldn't need an explanation but we'll cover it anyways. Water is great for you. Don't believe me? Let me list the reasons... First off there is the weight loss factor. Water is the perfect replacement for those high calorie and high carbohydrate drinks like juice and soda. It has zero calories, zero fat, zero sugar, and zero carbohydrates. As such if you cut out those other drinks for water you will see a substantial
weight loss over time. Water is also thought to lower your risks of heart attack. Water prevents you from getting dehydrated as well. Dehydration can make you feel weak, dizzy, and fatigued or worse it can lead to death. Water is also good for the skin as well as the digestive system. It cleans and carries away unwanted waste and toxins. Some studies have even shown that drinking mostly water can lower the risk of colon, bladder, and even breast cancer. Knowing that you now have plenty of reasons to drink water instead of other drinks!
