Having a healthy lifestyle is becoming normal for many of us. We can see it in the lifestyle choices we make every day, from choosing healthier foods to opting to get some form of regular exercise. If we don’t begin to take care of ourselves in our younger years, then we may run the risk of lifestyle-related illnesses in the future. As a a society, we’re known to indulge a little too much in our social drinking and perhaps eat a bit too much cheap and easily available junk food, rather than choose to cook at home. Years ago we didn’t quite have the same opportunities as we do now. While our lifestyles have changed significantly in the past few decades, everything can be enjoyed in moderation and life is for living, after all. This isn’t about denying yourself favourite treats, but certain small changes can help to achieve a healthier lifestyle. With that in mind, here are some of the health tips that may help to improve your life.
Acai Berries
The Acai berry is a superfood that is relatively new to the market. A superfood, by definition, is a food substance that has immense nutritional value, although the majority of everyday fruits and vegetables can be considered as super foods for health and wellness. They’re rich in vitamin C, which helps to support your immune system health, and a superb source of protective antioxidants called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are also found in other blue, black and purple foods, such as black beans and blueberries.. The berries are also high in fatty acids which are considered essential for heart health. There are many ways you can get Acai berries into your diet. One of the easier ways is in tablet form. Taking one a day with any other vitamins you take. Alternatively, you can buy it in powder form and add it to cereals or smoothies, or as frozen sachets to make your own delicious Acai bowls at home.
Increasing fibre intake
Dietary fibre is an essential part of a healthy diet, and adults should aim to consume a minimum of 30g fibre per day. Dietary fibre is found in whole plant foods including nuts, seeds, beans, lentils, fruit and vegetables, and these should form the bulk of your daily diet. If you struggle to consume the recommended amount of dietary fibre each day, then you may also try an additional supplement to consume more fibre. Fibre is so important for supporting normal digestive health and can help you to feel more full and satisfied after mealtimes.
Matcha Tea
There are many health and lifestyle benefits to drinking Matcha tea regularly. If you haven’t heard about it before here’s a little more information about it: Matcha tea is a fine ground powder of grown and processed tea. It is a type of green tea but boasts more health benefits. Some of these include an abundance of antioxidants, which are known to help protect cells from everyday free radical damage. The tea is also a source of fibre and vitamin C and may even enhance your mood and aid in concentration.
Chia Seeds
Did you know that chia seeds are amongst the healthiest foods we have available to us today? Chia seeds are tiny black seeds, the seed of South American herb Salvia hispanica and known as a superfood of the Aztecs. In fact, the Aztecs were using chia seeds as far back as 3500 BC. They can be added to cereals or smoothies, or made into a tasty chia pudding with fresh fruit. They offer plenty of fibre, protein, antioxidants and plant-based omega-3 fatty acids to support skin health. Easy to store and find in shops and supermarkets, they’re a useful food to add to your diet regularly.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is another superfood that may offer some useful health benefits. Best taken in juice form, you can take a shot of it each day or add it to your juice or smoothie in a morning. A shot of wheatgrass or can help to flood your body with essential vitamins and minerals to help support energy levels and immune system health.
Protein Shakes
I can imagine that some of you may still associate protein shakes with big muscle men lifting weights at the gym. Am I right? You are not entirely incorrect either. Protein is an essential part of repairing and building muscles. Especially for people putting those muscles through an intense fitness plan. But protein is an essential macronutrient for any healthy balanced diet, and if your aim is to increase muscle size and tone, then a protein shake is best taken within 30 to 45 minutes of weight training. Protein shakes can also be incredibly helpful for anyone following a plant-based diet that needs to increase their protein intake easily, or for those who, for various reasons, have higher protein requirements.
I hope this article has helped you be more informed about some of the health foods out there.