11 Simple Changes That Will Make Your Meals Healthier
There are a number of practical eating tips that we can make to achieve healthier meals and, consequently, greater health and general well-being.
In general, the worst enemy of a life change that allows us to enjoy a healthy diet is to think that making our meals healthier involves actions that are very difficult to implement, as well as spending large amounts of money.
This is a false belief. In reality, there are many ways to make our dishes much healthier, with a series of simple changes that do not mean a blow to our pockets. With that said, pay attention to the following recommendations.
11 ways to make meals healthier
1. Eat with less salt
If you are used to eating salty, it may take you a bit to get used to losing that flavor at first, but it is necessary for your health.
Nor are we telling you to ditch the salt entirely, just cut back on the amount.
This recommendation stems from the fact that salt affects your health with respect to high blood pressure, generates fluid retention and is associated with a myriad of digestive or cardiovascular problems, among others.
2. Use spices and herbs
Spices and herbs are great for two things:
- bring exquisite and new flavors to our dishes
- to substitute the salt.
Since spices have distinctive flavors, using them will allow you to decrease the amounts of salt.
You will also give your palate the opportunity to appreciate other flavors. Not to mention that many of them have very beneficial properties for the body.
3. Forget about sugar
We know it sounds extremely drastic and almost impossible to pull off, but you have to minimize your consumption of refined sugar.
This may be the most decisive measure you can take for your health and that of your family, especially that of children.
Refined sugar has been shown to be directly related to obesity, diabetes, and a long list of conditions for the body.
That doesn’t mean you should forget about the sweet taste. Fortunately, we have products that are not harmful to our body and that have that flavor that we like so much. For example, try natural sweeteners like stevia.
4. Take advantage of fruits
This is related to the previous point, since fruits contain a type of sugar that is good for our body. In addition, they have an infinity of micronutrients that help us in many aspects and, therefore, improve our health.
In addition to this, eating fruits is the best option to leave sandwiches, which provide fats and artificial products to the body.
However, you can not only eat the fruit, but you can also use it to make healthier meals. Try to make salads to which you add apples, walnuts, pineapple, mango … You will see that its flavor will delight you.
5. Eat vegetables
You may not like them, but you are sure to change your mind if you find out that they are one of the greatest sources of vitamins and minerals and the healthiest foods available.
It is not surprising that many plant flavors do not like you. However, ask yourself if among the extensive range of plant products there are not some that you do like.
Do the test of buying different types, you will see how you will find the right one for you.
6. Use the oven more
One of the most common problems when preparing food has to do with frying. Some people get used to frying almost everything.
Try to find new ways to prepare the dishes you eat. Set aside the oil and use the iron. Also try baking, gratin or grill.
We guarantee that you will not only have a healthier meal, but that you will discover flavors that, perhaps, you like even more than fried foods.
7. Eliminate butter from your life
Butter is a fat that does not provide you with major benefits. Although our body needs fats, it only needs those that are healthy.
Therefore, substitute olive oil, rapeseed oil, and avocado for butter. These elements will make your meals healthier and with a pleasant taste.
8. Eat only low-fat dairy
Dairy products are necessary for our body, since they provide high-quality calcium, vitamins and proteins.
However, go for the best ones. That is, for those who are in skim presentation.
9. Read the labels
Reading the labels of the packaged foods you buy is much more important than you can imagine.
You should not only read what is written on the packaging, but understand what it means. Many times what is sold to us as “light”, “sugar free” or “natural” is misleading.
10. Minimize processed foods
The best thing you can do to have healthier meals is to reduce the amount of processed products you buy as much as possible.
Remember that they have an immense amount of preservatives that can cause various problems to your body in the long term. The more organic the food, the better.
11. Cook yourself
When preparing your own dishes, you know exactly what to add. Therefore, you can control the ingredients, the quantities, the ways of preparation and even the hygiene conditions in which they were prepared.
In either case, be sure to seek professional advice. That way you will completely change your diet and take care of your body.
