Discover the 4 Characteristics of a Healthy Diet That Promote Overall Wellness
Maintaining a healthy diet is a crucial part of living a long, healthy, and happy life. Nowadays, understanding what a healthy diet entails can be challenging, considering the abundance of conflicting information available online. This article takes a closer look at the four characteristics of a healthy diet that promote overall wellness.
Nutrient-Dense
A healthy diet is one that meets the body’s nutrient needs while maintaining an appropriate caloric intake. Nutrient-dense foods are ideal for achieving a balance between the two. Nutrient-dense foods are those that are high in nutrition value while being low in calories. Some of these include leafy greens, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts, seeds, and fruit. Nutrient-dense foods promote weight loss and reduce the possibility of chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
Balanced
A balanced diet is one that includes all the essential nutrients required to maintain good health. A healthy and balanced diet means that one ought to include a wide variety of foods from all food groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, and low-fat dairy. A balanced diet ensures that the body gets the right amount of essential vitamins, minerals, macronutrients, and micronutrients for optimal functioning.
Non-restrictive
Many diets come with restrictions that limit the types of foods that one is allowed to eat. However, most of these diets are often short-term solutions that rarely lead to long-term results. Instead, incorporating non-restrictive principles into one’s eating habits is a more effective approach to achieving healthy eating habits. Non-restrictive diets promote moderate calorie intake while allowing individuals to enjoy a variety of foods in moderation.
Whole Foods
Whole foods are crops that have been minimally processed or refined. They usually do not contain added sweeteners, fats, or salt. Fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and nuts are all good examples of whole foods that promote healthy eating habits. Whole foods are essential for promoting good gastrointestinal health, reducing inflammation, and promoting healthy aging.
Conclusion
Eating is an essential part of life and has a significant impact on one’s health. A healthy diet has a myriad of benefits, including promoting good digestion, boosting immunity, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Eating a balanced, non-restrictive, nutrient-dense, and whole-foods-based diet is one of the best methods of ensuring a longer, healthier, and happier life.
