(BPT) - Nutrition can be confusing. Every day seems to bring a new headline declaring what's healthy and what's not, whether it's the Mediterranean Diet, low fat, low carb, DASH, vegan or high protein. With all this diet-of-the-minute hype, it's hard to know what we should be eating. On World Food Day, let's cut through the noise, go back to basics and focus on nutrients.
Nutrient density is the right place to start when trying to understand good nutrition and achieve a healthy, balanced diet. This concept refers to how much nutrition you get from food compared to its calories, with the goal being to maximize health benefits. Think leafy greens, broccoli, berries, nuts, seeds and quality protein shakes for nutrient-dense choices. A doughnut? Not so much.
'It's important to remember that fresh, natural foods play a key role in our diet, but they aren't always accessible to everyone,' says Luigi Gratton, Vice President of the Office of Health and Wellness at Herbalife. 'By taking a holistic approach to healthy eating, we can complement fresh meals with food supplements and other nutrient-dense options to help achieve a balanced intake of macro- and micro-nutrients.'
Here are six tips to get more nutrient bang for your calorie buck.
Think color
Try this easy nutrition hack: Load your plate with a variety of colorful vegetables and fruits. Why? A diverse range of colors ensures you're getting a wide array of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Go for whole grains and lean proteins
Choose whole grains like brown rice and whole-grain bread. They're packed with fiber and nutrients. For protein, opt for lean sources like chicken, fish, beans and tofu - great for your body without too much saturated fat.
Drink smart
Staying hydrated is key to feeling your best - physically and mentally! Water helps your body make the most of the nutrients in your food and flushes out what it doesn't need. Just be careful: many drinks are loaded with hidden sugars and empty calories. Aim for about eight cups of water a day, but feel free to adjust based on your activity level and personal needs. And remember, unsweetened drinks like tea or infused water count toward your hydration too!
Always check the label
Make it a habit to read food labels - they're key to understanding nutrition! Just because something looks healthy, like yogurt, doesn't mean it is. Check for added sugars and watch the sodium levels in diet meals. Aim for lower fat and salt, and higher protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This will help you make smarter choices about what you eat!
Processed doesn't mean unhealthy
Processed doesn't mean unhealthy. The term 'processed food' often gets a bad rap, but not all processed foods are bad for you. In fact, many staples like pasta, bread and yogurt are processed in some way. While some processed and ultra-processed foods can be high in saturated fat, sugar and salt, many are actually nutritious. For example, Herbalife's meal replacement shakes are processed to meet regulatory standards and deliver essential nutrients. The key is to choose your processed foods wisely - look for options that provide health benefits and fit into your balanced diet!
A quality meal replacement shake can help fill gaps in your diet
We'd all love to get all our nutrients from fresh, healthy food every day, but let's be honest - life gets busy! Whether you're rushing the kids to soccer practice or staying late at work, it can be tough to get all the nutrients you need. That's where a quality meal replacement shake comes in. These handy shakes can help you stay on track with your nutrition, making it easier to maintain a balanced diet even when you're short on time.
So, take a holistic approach. Combining healthy, fresh food with nutrient-dense meal supplements will ensure you get the nutrients that will help you power through the day. To learn more about how to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle, visit Herbalife.com.
