A diet shapes much more than the waistline. Food or the lack thereof can trigger or help prevent disease, self-confidence and satisfaction. Creating a better life through dietary choices has a holistic impact -- mind, body and soul are nourished equally with food choices. If eating right and reaping the benefits were easy, everyone would do it. Incorporate one step at a time. Trying to change too many aspects of your diet at once can lead to failure.
Step 1
Get healthy or stay healthy by making nutritious food choices. Choose a balanced diet by selecting foods from all food groups; eating vegetables, fruits, grains and protein provides the body with strength to repel and fight disease. Try to opt for natural, whole foods, as their micronutrients and antioxidants assist the immune system in cleaning the body of harmful toxins.
Step 2
Remedy your diet to meet your specific needs. Those suffering heart disease, for instance, should focus on a low-fat diet, avoiding the fats that cause hypertension, coronary artery disease and increased cholesterol. People who are diabetic must watch their daily calorie count and avoid foods such as simple carbohydrates that rapidly fluctuate blood sugars. A physician or registered dietitian can prescribe a specific diet based on health needs.
Step 3
Hydrate throughout the day to remove toxins from the body, regulate body temperature and replenish fluids lost through heat and exercise. Plain old water is best -- avoid sweetened sodas and high calorie juices that add more pounds than hydration. Some fruits, such as tomatoes and oranges, contain as much as 85 to 95 percent water and will keep the body hydrated.
Step 4
Remove chemicals from the diet when possible, including artificial flavorings, preservatives, sweeteners and food colorings. Some of these substances, such as the sweetener aspartame, have been linked to the development of depression in adults. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly to remove pesticides and avoid toxin consumption.
Step 5
Lose, gain or maintain weight with a well-balanced diet. Sedentary lifestyles and obesity are linked to development of diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, stroke and even gallstones. A healthy weight is not as dependent on that bathroom scale anymore -- discuss your body mass index with a physician and alter diet as needed to either gain, lose or stabilize weight.
Step 6
Get more energy through healthy calorie consumption. Calories are a measure of energy potential in food. If you skip meals you may find fatigue settling in -- weight loss in the face of illness and fatigue is not a good dieting strategy. Balance daily calorie consumption with your daily calorie, or energy, expenditure for maximum energy potential.
Tips and Warnings
- Incorporating physical exercise with a healthful diet can reduce your risk of disease.
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