More and more Americans are getting obese. It’s estimated that about 41% of the population is obese, which will continue to rise.
Obesity is a massive problem in the US, affecting children more and more. Childhood obesity has more than tripled in the last 30 years. One way to prevent obesity, especially in your family you should start eating healthily, but what does eating healthily means?
The Principle of Eating Healthily
You might think eating healthily is about dieting or cutting certain foods, but it’s not. Eating healthily is about making sure you’re getting the proper nutrients from the food you eat and maintaining a healthy weight. It’s also about having a balanced diet, including various food types.
Additionally, it’s all about eating organic! Studies have found that organic food is more nutrient-dense and has more antioxidants than conventionally grown foods.
Eating healthily doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Here are four easy ways for your family to start eating healthy food:
Start Farm-to-Table Meals
Eating locally is a great way to get the nutrients your body needs. Farm-to-table meals are also fresher and tastier than food shipped from far away. It’s also much cheaper! You can start by sourcing local ingredients.
Local Ingredients
Sourcing local ingredients is all about knowing where your food comes from. When you buy locally, you’re supporting farmers in your area and getting fresher food.
Visit The Farmer’s Market
Another way to start farm-to-table meals is by visiting a farmer’s market. Farmer’s markets are great places to find fresh, seasonal produce. You can also get to know the farmers who grow your food.
Join A CSA
A CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture, is a great way to get fresh, local produce. Small farms usually run CSAs, and members provide boxes of seasonal produce.
These are some ways you can start farm-to-table meals. It’s your gateway to healthier, sustainable, and more affordable meals for your family.
Baking Healthily
If there is one type of food Americans love the most, it’s baked goods. The industry is worth billions of dollars because Americans can’t stop to buy them. However, they can also be very unhealthy, full of sugar and empty carbs.
But it doesn’t have to be that way! You can still enjoy your favorite baked goods while eating healthily. Here’s how:
Choose The Right Flour
The first step to healthy baking is choosing the right flour. Refined flours are stripped of their nutrients and can cause spikes in blood sugar. Instead, opt for whole wheat or almond flour. These flours are packed with nutrients and will help keep you fuller longer.
Use Natural Sweeteners
Another way to bake healthily is by using natural sweeteners. Unfortunately, sugar is one of the worst things you can eat, so it’s important to find substitutes. Some great options include honey, agave nectar, and maple syrup. You can also use alternatives to sugar such as Xylitol and Stevia. These have been known to be sweeter than sugar but are much healthier because they are organic and you don’t need a lot of them in your food.
These are just some ways you can bake healthily. You can still enjoy your favorite baked goods without compromising your health by making small changes. If you don’t want to go through the process of sifting every ingredient for the right option, consider buying the right baking product for your family. Buying healthy easy-to-bake goods should be one of your options. Some of these goods now come with more nutritious ingredients at a much more affordable price. So make sure to look for them if you don’t want to look for ingredients individually.
Snack Smart
Snacking is one of the worst things you can do for your health. Most snacks are processed and full of sugar, leading to weight gain and other problems.
Instead of snacking on unhealthy options, try these healthy snacks:
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Fruit:
Fruits are a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They’re also low in calories and full of water.
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Veggies:
Veggies are another excellent option for healthy snacking. They’re packed with nutrients and low in calories.
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Nuts:
Nuts are a great source of protein and healthy fats. They’re also a good option for people trying to lose weight.
These are just some of the many healthy snacks you can choose from. There are plenty of other options, so explore and find what works best for you and your family.
Final Thoughts
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. There are plenty of easy and affordable ways to ensure your family gets the nutrients they need. With some planning and effort, you can make healthy eating a part of your everyday routine.
