Serious health problems such as diabetes and heart disease have been developing in your body for many years before you have symptoms. While the causes of diseases can be complex, researchers have determined that diet plays a major role. Making positive changes to your diet today can help prevent health issues in the future.
Eat Fewer Processed Foods
When you think of processed foods, you may think about junk food like chips and pizza rolls, but it can be more complicated than that. You consume many processed foods as part of what you might think is a healthy diet. Breakfast cereals, granola bars, lunch meats, canned soup, and ramen noodles all have high levels of sodium or hidden sugars.
Many whole, natural foods are convenient and require little preparation. Try preparing good and freezing them in meal-sized portions for later use. For snacking, you can buy raw vegetables and fruits already cut up in the produce department of a grocery store. Nuts and seeds are also nutritious.
Drink More Water
For maximum health, your beverage of choice should be water. While an occasional cup of coffee or juice won’t hurt you, you should avoid soft drinks (even the diet kind), energy drinks, and sports drinks. When you eat at a restaurant, order water rather than soda.
Water has benefits beyond hydration. It keeps your digestive system moving, aids in kidney function, and even helps prevent cavities. Water helps wash away bacteria responsible for plaque buildup. Good dental hygiene can prevent other health problems.
Eat Regular Meals
Eating regular meals rather than snacking throughout the day keeps your blood sugar levels. When you eat, it stimulates your pancreas to release insulin in order to process the sugars in your food. Frequent snacks cause your blood sugar levels to spike and then crash. Consuming your food during a balanced meal with protein, fiber, and nutrients provides you with steady energy without the roller coaster feeling of fluctuating blood sugar levels. It also prevents your pancreas from wearing out, a contributing factor to type 2 diabetes.
What you choose to eat and drink today can influence your health in the future. As you grow older, your body becomes less resilient and less efficient in processing sugar, fat, and stress. Laying a good foundation when you’re younger can have a positive impact on keeping you healthy throughout your life.
Here’s more to read: How You Can Prevent Your Body From Breaking Down in Old Age
