Guide to Healthy Eating

“The foods we choose make a difference.”

Healthy eating is not the same for everyone. There are a few factors that come into play. For example, healthy eating varies depending on your diet and lifestyle. Those who eat a vegan diet, will have a different health guide to those who are meat eaters or athletes and weight lifters. Your lifestyle and daily activities will have an impact on what is the right diet for you.

Nowadays, lots of foods and recipes include a variety of ingredients that are not needed in your daily diet. There are many additives that are being put into foods today. It is important to look at labels and try to prepare meals that have healthy ingredients that you know. A rule of thumb is to create recipes with 5 ingredients or less. This will help to avoid any processed foods that have unnecessary additives.

For all diet types and lifestyles, it is recommended to avoid highly processed foods. These are foods that are concentrated with fat, sugar and salt. Examples of processed foods are certain breakfast cereals, cheeses, tinned soups and vegetables, bread, meat products such as bacon and sausage, and microwave or ready meals. People often choose processed foods out of convenience and don’t even realize the amount of fat and sodium they are consuming. Some options to choose from that are less processed are whole foods, oatmeal, quinoa, frozen veggies, fruits and nuts.

One way to create a healthier lifestyle is through meal prepping. When you are aware of the ingredients you are consuming you can be sure to avoid unhealthy, processed food additives. Meal prepping can save you time, money and your sanity too! Once you develop recipes you like, you can cook once to eat a few times more. Each time you prep a meal it can lead to 2, 3, and even 4 or more portions.

To begin making better food choices, when you are feeling hungry, take a moment to tune in with your body. Ask yourself, “Am I willing to eat an apple?” If you are, the chances are you are probably hungry. If not, you may be seeking food to compensate for something else. For instance, your body may be dehydrated and need water, but your body is signaling it is hungry. Sometimes we should be drinking water instead of eating. 

Healthy eating doesn’t only start with the plate in front of you. We get nourished by lots of things in life. We can feel fulfilled and fueled by our foods when we understand why we are eating, who we eat with, and by how and where we eat. When you are present during your meals and with what you are eating, you can develop a healthier mental attitude towards food and your lifestyle.

UrHealth Benefits founder, James Ferriero explains, “To start leading a healthier lifestyle today, begin by connecting to your why. Think about why you really want to create these changes in your life. Write it down on paper and let this serve as your anchor. You can review it and refine it as needed.”

UrHealth Benefits is here for all Ur (your) healthcare needs. Whether you are looking for Life, Individual & Family Health, Supplemental, Travel and Medicare Insurances, UrHealth is here as a resource for you and your loved ones. Contact UrHealth Benefits to find the best personalized plan that fits your lifestyle and to simplify the insurance process.