Food & Diet To Treat Yourself Better

Although it's tempting to snack on junk food and follow up rich, indulgent meals with desserts that are just as decadent, lighter and more wholesome eating habits are much better for mental and physical well-being and long-term health. Treating yourself well has to do with making choices that will help you feel and look your best, and choosing healthy foods is one such decision that can make a significant positive impact.

Benefits

Eating a diet that contains mostly fresh, nutritious foods can reduce the risk of disease and improve overall health. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states that healthy eating boosts energy levels, improves alertness and lessens the risk of developing heart disease, diabetes, asthma and cancer. According to MayoClinic.com, eating nutritious foods that are high in vitamins and minerals also reduces the risk of depression.

Guidelines

Going grocery shopping or ordering from a restaurant can be an overwhelming experience if you're unsure about which foods are the healthiest. In general, foods that offer the most vitamins, minerals and nutrients and the lowest amounts of calories, fat, cholesterol and sugar are best for long-term health. Whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, beans, nuts and low-fat or nonfat milk all fit those criteria. When shopping, look at nutrition labels on prepared or processed products to help guide choices and learn more about nutrient breakdown.

Model

The most common model for healthy eating is the United States Department of Agriculture's food pyramid, called MyPyramid. The pyramid urges people to eat daily servings of food from five healthy groups: low-fat and nonfat dairy products, fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and grains, with a focus on whole grains. Some flexible and healthful diets may include foods that are not part of the pyramid, but following a healthy eating plan that uses the pyramid as a base is likely to lead to better health.

Flexibility

Diets that prioritize flexibility are generally successful because they make it easy to adapt to followers' routines, schedules, budgets and preferences. Although indulging in high-calorie treats may seem taboo behavior in any healthy eating plan, HelpGuide urges people to serve smaller portions of treats or cut back on how often they eat them instead of eliminating them from the diet entirely. Having an occasional treat, salty snack or dessert can feel special and help dieters embrace the strength of willpower rather than let it go.

Considerations

Although diet is an essential part of adopting a healthier lifestyle, it's not the only component to consider. Regular exercise is also important for improving and maintaining health. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of physical activity per week for healthy adults; more exercise is likely to yield the best health benefits.