Photography by Alexander Nieves
Photography by Alexander Nieves
Photography by Alexander Nieves
Photography by Alexander Nieves
Photography by Alexander Nieves
Photography by Alexander Nieves
Photography by Alexander Nieves

The Perks Of A High-Fiber Diet

Fiber-foodFiber is one of the main ingredients of healthy eating. If the body isn’t getting the required amounts of natural fiber, the person may be prone to disorders such as constipation, gas pain, and worse colon cancer. For those who are looking to have a healthy eating plan, fiber is one of the key elements to that plan. The sad thing is that many individuals still don’t take fiber too seriously. Here’s a look at the many benefits of consuming high-fiber foods.

Fiber Fights Diseases, And Can Help Stop Overeating

A diet that’s rich in fiber can help prevent a number of diseases, from constipation to colon cancer. Eating a high-fiber diet actually helps the body reduce or eradicate bad cholesterol, by binding fat and cholesterol in the digestive tract. Natural fiber can also help stop overeating. High-fiber foods take longer to chew and digest, making the person feel satisfied and full longer.

Processed Foods Don’t Have Adequate Fiber Content

These days, grocery shelves are often filled with lots of processed meats, snacks and other food items. They also contain large amounts of artificial sweeteners, flavorings and preservatives. If you love eating processed foods, you may need to increase your fiber intake, because most processed foods lack adequate fiber content.

Fruits, Vegetables And Whole Grains Are Great Sources of Fiber

Fruits and vegetables are great sources of dietary fiber, which is actually plant matter. Fiber is largely composed of cellulose, which aids the body in digestion. Whole grains are also excellent dietary fiber sources. When cooking fruits and vegetables, you need not worry about cooking the fiber, because it stays there. The fiber found in most fruits and veggies are not just located on the skin or peel, but deep within.

What’s The Recommended Fiber Intake? Continue reading

Healthy Eating Facts And Figures To Keep In Mind

We’re all aware that staying healthy and fit requires that we attain a balanced diet, get lotsFood-of-all-colors of exercise, and also stay away from unhealthy lifestyle habits like smoking, excessive alcohol intake, drugs and others. Those who practice good nutrition, hygiene and regular exercise, often develop healthy habits which they will continue practicing for life, and will keep them healthy for long periods. Here are some healthy eating facts and figures for children, teenagers and adults.

What Is Nutrition?

According to health experts, the word nutrition refers to the value that we get out of the food we eat. A food item will be deemed nutritious if it provides the required amount of nutrients to support the health of our body, enhance growth, replace lost energy, and allow us to perform at our peak. Nutritious and wholesome foods offer balanced combinations of vitamins, minerals, proteins, carbohydrates, amino acids, antioxidants, fiber and healthy fats. Foods that are not nutritious simply fill our stomachs with unhealthy fats and carbohydrates, which only reduce hunger and bloat our bellies.

3 Basic Rules For Promoting a Child’s Healthy Diet

In promoting healthy eating habits in children, the food pyramid for kids generally promotes three basic rules for a healthy diet. The rules include variety, balance and moderation. Variety means that a child’s diet must include different food items from each level of the food pyramid, from a wide array of meats, to vegetables and fruits, whole-grain breads, dairy proteins and fibers. Because no single food item is able to supply the amount of nutrients of a growing child, a child’s food choices have to be expanded to include foods of all colors. Balance means eating the right amounts of food from all levels of the food pyramid everyday, and moderation refers to being careful not to eat too much of any type of food item.

There Is A Link Between Unhealthy Eating Habits And A Negative Self Image Continue reading

Eating Guide For Kids

Eating can actually be healthy and fun. But with the proliferation of fast foods and other tasty cholesterol-rich snack items, making your child see the beauty of eating healthy and natural food may become a challenge. Since access to unhealthy food choices are easy, and the choices are plenty, what‘s the best way for introducing healthy eating habits to your kids? Here are some effective healthy eating guidelines to consider.

Young mother and child shopping for foodHealthy Foods Actually Tastes Good

The typical fast food fare can be very tempting for most kids today. The problem is that the usual fast food fare consists of high-salt, high-sugar and high-calorie food items, which kids find so appealing, and are also easier to eat. For parents who are concerned about their children’s eating habits, learn to keep your cool. The reality is that healthy food can actually taste great. However, making your children love eating healthy food may require more effort and extra planning. While carrot sticks or cauliflower stalks may not be as fun as a plate of French Fries, you’ll require a little time and creativity to make these natural food items appealing to your kids.

Slowly Introduce Your Kids To A Wide Array of Fruits and Veggies

Making your children adopt healthy eating habits need not end up in a shouting match, or a concentration camp forced-eating regimen. Slowly introducing your children to a wide array of fruits and vegetables will help in jump-starting their appreciation of healthy eating. As most fruits are naturally sweet, it should not pose much of a barrier for kids to like. You can even create stories about the fruits and vegetables they consume, to make things more interesting. The most satisfying thing is that, once your kids consume the fruit, you’re assured that they’re getting their fill of vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Cook At Home, And Involve Your Kids Continue reading

Eating Guidelines For Diabetics

artichokes-and-peppersA diabetic’s life can be tough on his diet. If a person has diabetes, it’s important that he or she is aware of the connection between carbohydrate consumption and diabetes management. Once carbohydrates are synthesized by the digestive system, they become sugars, and have a direct effect on blood glucose levels. A diabetic’s diet must maintain a delicate balance of essential nutrients and minerals. It’s important for diabetics to know what foods to eat, and which ones to avoid.

Choose High-Fiber Vegetables

Eating fiber-rich vegetables is good for diabetics, since fiber does not raise or affect blood sugar levels. The vegetables should be minimally processed, and ideally should be eaten raw. Among the fiber-rich veggies that are great for diabetics include cauliflower, celery, cucumber, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, artichokes, cabbage, eggplant, peppers, greens and spinach.

Suggested Fruit Variants For Diabetics Continue reading