Good nutrition is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. What is ‘healthy’ when it comes to food?

We need to synthesize six essential nutrients from the food we eat: proteins, fat, minerals, vitamins, water, and carbohydrates. When you eat a healthy diet that includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, nuts, and legumes, you get all the nutrients needed for your body to function properly. Follow these suggestions to improve your overall eating habits and healthy food choices:

• Eat a variety of foods. Think about how many colors are on your plate.
• Eat as many fruits and vegetables as you can.
• Lower the amount of processed food that you eat.
• Lower your sodium and sugar intake.
• Reduce animal fat and protein intake; use plant-based substitutions if possible.
• Eat whole grains.
• Drink more water.
• Try plant-based milks.
• Grill, bake or steam instead of frying your food.
• Read food labels. Knowledge is power.

Take good care of your body! You know the saying ”we are what we eat.” 😊

TIP:  Eating Healthy At Work

Many people find it difficult to keep their healthy eating habits while they are at work. You have to plan ahead. Here are some tips (you need access to a refrigerator):

• Always have at work a homemade healthy salad dressing, a salad bowl, and silverware.
• Make sure you have mixed greens, arugula, spinach or kale to have a salad base.
• Bring avocado, tomatoes, mushrooms, peppers, cucumbers, onions, olives, beans, chickpeas, mangoes, apples, nuts, or any other veggie or fruit you enjoy in your salad.
• If you eat tuna you can always have some single-serve tuna pouches handy.
• Have healthy snacks at your office, such as fruits, carrots, celery, almond or peanut butter.

You can do it!

By Lisy Espindola, LCSW, Healthy Leaving Director