For any individual who wants to make sure that they are as healthy as possible, the best place to start is with diet. The phrase ‘you are what you eat’ is very true. Food is not just something that is there for amusement or to fill time. It is fuel and the body needs it to function properly. Choosing the right foods can help to keep a person in the best of health. Here are a few tips to help you to choose the right foods.

Carbohydrates

So many people try to avoid carbs but they are an essential part of the diet. It is recommended that you use starchy carbohydrates for one third of the total amount of food eaten. This includes bread, rice, pasta, cereals and potatoes. However, it is recommended that you choose wholegrain or high fibre versions. These can help you to feel fuller for longer and keep the tendency to snack at bay.

Boost fruits and vegetables

It is recommended that everyone should include at least five different types of fruit and vegetables in your diet each day. This is not limited to fresh fruit and vegetables though, it can be canned, juiced, dried or frozen too. It is relatively easy to do. Fruits can be added to breakfast cereals or you can make a smoothie from several portions of fruit and vegetables as an alternative breakfast.

Include more fish

Fish is an alternative to meat when it comes to protein and it naturally includes a good amount of vitamins and minerals. Most people are advised to have at least two portions of fish each week and one of these should be oily fish, which has good levels of omega-3. This is known to be good for heart health.

Reduce saturated fat and sugar

All diets need some fats but saturated fat can have a negative impact on levels of cholesterol. Women should aim for no more than 20g of saturated fat a day and men should have no more than 30g. This means checking the fat content of the food that you eat and making sure that consumption of foods such as butter, hard cheese, cakes and biscuits is kept as low as possible. Look for foods that have unsaturated fats and choose leaner cuts of meat.