A Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is like powering your car with the right amount of fuel. By eating a good healthy diet – foods low in saturated fat, with plenty of fruit, vegetables and pulses – you will create a strong foundation for good health and an active lifestyle.

Here are a few tips to get started:

Cut your calories. Obesity is one of the major impediments to good health and can give rise to many illnesses such as blood pressure, heart disease and cancer.
Limit saturated fats. Your eating plan should consist mainly of unsaturated fats. Foods high in saturated fats run the risk of increasing cholesterol levels, a strong risk factor for heart disease. So try and restrict the use of vanaspati, ghee and animal products.
Increase intake of foods rich in complex carbohydrates and limit sugar. According to the latest research, about 60 per cent of all calories should come from carbohydrates.
Moderate the use of proteins. In general, proteins are considered to be healthy, but it is a myth that protein rich food is non-fattening. Large quantities of animal protein are unhealthy as they tend to have both a high fat and cholesterol content. And anything consumed in excess is converted to fat and stored in the body.
Use less salt and sodium. Excessive intake of salt leads to hypertension. While cooking raw food, salt should be added in the last stages because by then the salt in the food has been released, requiring a small quantity for seasoning. Try and avoid processed foods as far as possible.
Increase the intake of fresh food. Fresh fruit, raw vegetables and whole grains are ideal ingredients for nutritional cooking. Refined and processed foods should be used sparingly. Proper storage and handling are also important to retain the nutritional value of food.
Drink plenty of water and non-alcoholic beverages. Liquids, especially water are essential to a healthy diet. Alcohol should be taken in moderation, as too much of it may lead to nutritional inadequacies.

If you follow these tips you will look, feel and stay fit and be able to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.