With all of the nutrition information out there, it’s hard to keep track of what’s worth implementing into your lifestyle. Between all the fad diets and different fitness philosophies, how do you decide which is worth following long term? In actuality, eating healthier all comes down to five nutrition guidelines that have been backed by research. Here are the five simple nutrition guidelines to start following.
Eat Lots of Fruit and Veggies
According to the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines of Americans, adults should be eating at least 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fruit and 2 to 3 cups of vegetables per day. Fruits and veggies are packed with vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants and fiber.
Get Enough Fiber
The American Heart Association recommends that adults get 25 to 30 grams per day of fiber from food. You can get fiber from whole foods like vegetables, beans, fruits, whole-grain bread, cereals, and pasta.
Stay Hydrated
The recommended amount of water you should consume varies based on age, gender, and if you’re pregnant or nursing. Women should be drinking around nine cups of water a day and men should be drinking around 12.5 cups.
Eat a Variety of Foods
No single food has all of the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy, so include an array of foods into your balanced diet. It’s important to eat fruits, veggies, grains, nuts, fats, and seeds.
Avoid Overly Processed Foods
Overly processed foods like cookies, donuts, and chips are high in calories, saturated fats, and added sugar, plus they don’t provide much nutritional value. Chose foods that are closest to their original form like fresh meat, chicken, fish, fruits, and vegetables.
