We’re all told that a nutritious and well-balanced diet is the key to long-term health, as well as energy for your everyday life. But when women are advised about changes in their diets, it often involves having to cut out certain foods. Today, PGOMG is asking that women add certain foods to their diet.
Of course, there are still foods that should be reduced when possible – foods high in calories due to sugar or fat will never going to do anyone any favors when it comes to their health or waistline.
We recommend that you add the foods listed below to your diet in place of your normal go-to items for meals and snacks. It can be very difficult to make real, long-lasting changes in your diet, which is why we advise that you start slowly. Try rotating out your usual snack of a soda and chips at 3 p.m. for one of our recommended food items below. Once you find a diet that you like, you’ll be able to keep up with it more easily than if you had dropped your favorite unhealthy foods all at once.
5 foods to introduce into your diet today:
- Nuts
Nuts are a great food to switch up your snack routine. Nuts are high in protein, vitamin E, which keeps your immune system strong, and monounsaturated fatty acids which are great for your heart because they can lower your cholesterol.
- Tomatoes
Tomatoes are a good food choice for two reasons. First, tomatoes contain lycopene, an antioxidant known to fight cancer. Second, tomatoes can be prepared and used in a variety of ways – stewed, pureed, made into paste or just chopped. All forms are beneficial to a person’s health.
- Beans
Similar to the tomato, beans can be prepared and added to just about anything you like. Beans come in a variety of types and are especially important for women because they are a protein that also provides fiber, which aides in digestion. Beans also provide calcium, which is essential for women who are menopausal or post-menopausal, since osteoporosis is a likely concern during this time.
- Whole grains
Looking for something to replace meat in your main meals? Look no further – whole grains are the answer. Whole grains will need to be consumed in moderation, but when used in place of white bread or regular pasta, products made from whole grains are an excellent source of fiber and can help keep your blood sugar levels low.
- Color
Fruits and vegetables vibrant in color are often highly nutritious as well as a source of the essential vitamins needed in a daily diet, such as iron and potassium. Though with fruit, it’s important not to go overboard with the daily serving size because you’ll want to keep your sugar intake in mind.
