Eating a healthy diet is one of the most effective ways to prevent illness, heal your body and lose weight. A step above selecting foods that are healthier than junk food is to consider eating organic food, which may be equally or more important than the ingredients in the food. This is because conventional foods contain toxic pesticides and fertilizers that are linked to health issues like cancer, hormonal imbalance and neurological disorders, according to What'sOnMyFood.
Meat
Meat is especially considered healthy if it is organic, because most conventional meats contain growth hormone and antibiotics. As reported by Cornell University, these are toxic and linked to cancer in the human body. They are transferred to the human body by eating the meat or consuming dairy products from the animals that were administered these toxins. When choosing organic meat, purchase lean pieces for a low-fat, healthier option. Either grill, or pan sear it using healthy high-heat oil like sunflower oil. Meat is relatively low in dietary fiber, yet high in fat. One of the healthiest accompaniments to meat is high-fiber vegetables like steamed artichoke, cooked peas, broccoli, sweet or baked potato with skin. Also try serving slices of the meat over a fresh salad using a dressing based in lime, spices, olive oil and flax oil.
Pescatarian
A pescatarian does not eat red meat or poultry and instead eats seafood as the source of protein. Polluted water from oil spills and industrial waste is increasingly compromising the health of fish and its eaters. Growing consumer and scientific concern about genetic modification are causing some fish farms to turn to organic methods. This means using organic feed, clean water and offering fish that are free of chemicals like synthetic pesticides, fertilizers and genetic engineering. You can find organic seafood at health food stores and perhaps some standard grocery stores. Butter or cream sauces are popular with fish dishes, instead try a low-fat option of using olive oil or a vegetable-based butter and lemon. Eat this with a side of brown rice and steamed vegetables like broccoli, peas, Brussels sprouts or kale with cranberries. Sushi is one of the healthiest options for pescatarians, because the raw fish retains its omega-3 fatty acids and are not cooked away, plus it provides you with important minerals from the seaweed.
Vegetarian
A vegetarian diet does not include meat, poultry or seafood. Protein is derived from a combination of various plant-based foods, such as soybeans and other legumes, nuts, seeds, wheat gluten, mushrooms -- even certain greens and grains contain protein like quinoa and wheatgrass. Stirfrys with quinoa instead of white rice; salads with grilled tofu or tempeh strips; meatless burgers and light coconut curry are all healthy meal options. If your goal is to lose weight, count your calories, because a vegetarian diet may make you gain weight if you eat more calories than you lose.
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