Eating Healthy Doesn't Mean You Have to Give Up Taste

When you hear the word “healthy,” your first instinct might be to reach for the nearest fruit or veggie and chow down. But not all “healthy” foods are created equal. Eating a diet high in unhealthy fats, refined carbs and salty snacks might make you feel satiated and keep you full, but it’s not doing your body any favors. On the other hand, eating a balanced diet that’s high in vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains gives your body the nutrients and antioxidants it needs to stay healthy and fight off disease. If you’re looking to add more healthy foods to your diet, but you’re not sure how to do it without sacrificing your favorite foods, don’t worry. We got you. Here are five simple ways to add more health-conscious foods into your diet without even noticing it.

Add more fruits and veggies

Adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet is always a good idea, but it can be hard to know how to do it in the easiest way. Try making a smoothie in the morning. Add some spinach into your favorite fruit or vegetable smoothie recipe and you’ll get a serving of greens in your drink for breakfast. You can also try adding different types of veggies to a stir fry instead of just sticking with plain old broccoli.

Swap out unhealthy fats for healthy ones

It's important to eat healthy fats, but you don’t need to eat unhealthy ones. Replace foods high in saturated fat—like butter and processed meat—with healthier options like avocados, nuts and seeds.

Choose whole grains over refined grains

One of the easiest ways to make healthier food choices is to choose whole grains over refined grains. Whole grains are packed with fiber, and they also contain important vitamins and minerals like magnesium and selenium. Refined grains, on the other hand, have been stripped of those nutrients; all that’s left is a bunch of carbs that can lead to weight gain and chronic diseases like diabetes. For example, whole-wheat bread has three times more fiber than refined bread. Or try adding brown rice or quinoa for a hearty side dish.

Trade out highly salted snacks

One of the easiest ways to add more healthy foods into your diet is by trading out highly salted snacks for lower-sodium versions. In fact, those salty snacks can be a huge cause of high blood pressure. One study found that when participants were given unsalted chips for four weeks, their blood pressure lowered. Another study found that when participants switched from regular salt to potassium chloride or sodium chloride, their blood pressure also lowered.

If you’re looking to cut back on salt, try these low-sodium snacks:

Oats are your best friend

Oats are the perfect way to start your morning. Oatmeal is a great way to get in your daily dose of whole grains, which can help reduce inflammation and cholesterol. Make oatmeal with water or milk and add a little honey, cinnamon and nutmeg for a sweet start to your day.

Bottom line

there are many healthy foods that taste just as good as the unhealthy ones

The goal of eating healthy is to fuel your body with nutritious, delicious foods that will allow it to perform at its peak. Eating well doesn’t mean you have to give up the things you love. In fact, eating healthy doesn’t even have to mean giving up taste! You can still enjoy everything you like and eat a well-balanced diet! Here are five recipes that prove it: -Orange zest pecan bread -Granola bars made with protein powder and bananas -Eggplant pizza -Tomato lentil soup -Cinnamon pumpkin oatmeal

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