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If you’re pursuing a weight loss program, taking a look at your diet is clearly a good starting point. While exercise can also help you achieve a healthy weight, the most effective way to create a calorie deficit is to optimize nutrition. Even if you aren’t trying to lose weight, eating nutritionally is a great way to improve overall health and lower disease risks. Here are some simple yet powerful changes you can make to your diet for better wellness.

A Healthy Diet in 3 Steps

1. Know Your Calorie Needs

While you don’t need to drive yourself crazy counting calories, having a general idea of how many you should be consuming each day can help you make smart choices. The average woman needs 2,000 calories per day to maintain her weight; for men, it’s 2,500 calories. For individuals pursuing a weight loss program, however, those counts can be reduced by 500 calories to pursue safe and steady calorie deficits resulting in a loss of roughly one pound per week.

2. Fill Your Plate With Produce

weight loss programIncorporating plenty of plants into your diet helps to ensure you’re getting the vitamins, minerals, and other micronutrients your body needs to perform its best. If you’re on a weight loss program, eating lots of vegetables and fruit is one of the best ways to help you achieve results. While most are low in calories, they’re high in nutritional value, making them a diet-friendly choice.

3. Monitor Your Macronutrients

Your body needs a balance of macronutrients—including protein, carbohydrates, fiber, and fat—to perform well. Make sure you’re getting enough of each macronutrient every day by eating a variety of foods. Lean sources of protein such as fish and chicken can fit into any weight loss program, while whole-grain breads and pastas provide fiber and carbohydrates. Healthy fats include nuts, avocados, and vegetable oils.

 

If you’re looking to lose weight and are interested in pursuing an individualized, physician-approved weight loss program, contact the team from Carolina Doctors Med Care. Specializing in preventive medicine as well as the management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, these doctors provide comprehensive care for patients throughout Sanford, NC. Learn more about their full range of services online or call (919) 774-3680 to schedule an appointment.

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