Written By Paisley Hansen / Reviewed By Ray Spotts
Deciding to improve your diet is always a good decision, but sometimes working up the motivation to start is more difficult than the actual work. People mistakenly believe they have to make a lot of big changes all at once, but this simply isn't true. In fact, you're more likely to accomplish permanent change if you start with the little things.
Here are six small dietary changes you can start today that will make a huge difference in your health.
Wean Yourself Off Soda
If you're looking to achieve optimum health, soda pop has to go. For regular soda drinkers, this is a struggle because they're addicted to the sugar, caffeine and the satisfying fizz that comes with it. For most, going cold turkey seldom works, but weaning yourself off it will.
Start by gradually moving to a diet soda, such as root beer, that tastes almost like the regular version. Remember, diet soda isn't healthy either, but it can be used as a temporary stepping stone to completely eliminate soda and increase your water intake.
Consider a Supplement
When you eat a healthy diet, you'll get the vitamins, minerals and fiber your body needs. However, there are days it's not possible to get all the nutrients you need and a supplement can help fill the voids.
For people on the run, they might want to consider taking a vitamin, powder supplement or reputable weight loss booster. If weight loss is your goal, make sure you research products and read about them, like the positive Thrive reviews found online.
Switch to Olive Oil
It seems like so many oils are healthy one day, and then bad for you the next. It's no wonder people are confused about which oils to consume. Recent studies demonstrate that popular oils such as canola, soy and corn are highly refined and go through numerous chemical processes.
These oils also contain omega-6 fatty acids that contribute to inflammation in the body. Making a small switch to olive oil can prevent cardiovascular disease and regulate your blood pressure. When shopping for olive oil, always look for cold-pressed varieties.
Eat More Fruit Each Week
Some people just aren't fruit eaters, but everyone has at least a few fruits they like. Fruits are an excellent source of vitamins and fiber, so don't be afraid to eat and enjoy them. Many mainstream diets have created a stigma around fruit because of fructose. However, unless you plan on eating a truckload of fruit every day, fructose in its natural form is not harmful.
Try eating a few of your favorite fruits several times a week and then add new ones. Frozen is also a good option if fresh isn't available.
Cut Down on Red Meat
Red meat is a great source of iron and protein, but it should be eaten in moderation. Red meat is high in saturated fat and that raises your cholesterol and increases your chance of heart disease.
If you find yourself eating beef every other day or more, one small change you can make is to substitute it with chicken breast or fish. On the days you decide to eat red meat, choose a healthier cut such as ground beef that's 95 percent lean or steak with little visible fat.
Slowly Increase Fiber Intake
When you eat a diet high in fiber, you benefit from improved cholesterol levels and a healthy digestive system. Fiber prevents constipation and helps you maintain a proper weight. Increasing your fiber intake is a habit that you must implement gradually through small changes.
Too much fiber all at once will result in bloating and intestinal distress, so try adding a new fiber-rich item each week. Foods that are highest in fiber include oatmeal, beans, berries and broccoli.
Improving your diet doesn't happen overnight, but is the result of small, gradual changes. Slow and steady is the way to make sure your healthy habits stick for life.
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Written By:
Paisley Hansen is a freelance writer and expert in health, fitness, and growing young. When she isn’t writing she can usually be found reading a good book or hitting the gym. She loves hearing from readers so feel free to contact her through Facebook.
Reviewed By:
Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.
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