Eating healthy food can help you maintain the right weight and get all the nutrients you need. It can also reduce the risk of health problems, including heart disease and cancer. Here’s what to consider as you try to improve your diet.

Do:

Eat unprocessed foods.

Processed foods may offer convenience and affordability, but they’re full of chemical preservatives and sweeteners. People who regularly consume artificial sweeteners are 67% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. 

Stick to fresh, unprocessed items, such as raw vegetables, eggs, milk, and refrigerated meat. These foods don’t contain the same unhealthy chemicals or sweeteners.

Target good fats.

Fat has a bad reputation, which comes from the saturated fat found in processed foods, butter, and fatty meats. Instead, eat polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, which your body needs to maintain the proper weight and nutrient balance. These fats are found in healthy food, such as nuts, vegetable oil, fish, avocado, cheese, and whole eggs.

Don’t:

Skip breakfast.

You may have heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. A long time passes between dinner and breakfast, so your body needs nutrients in the morning to keep it fueled.

Skipping this meal routinely can lead to hypoglycemia (glucose deficiency), headache, and weight gain. Start by drinking a tall glass of water and eat healthy food with glucose and fiber, such as fruit and oatmeal.

Punish yourself for a mistake.

Healthy eating is a lifestyle. Your diet should be sustainable rather than a temporary “crash diet.” Losing weight too quickly can create health complications, such as a slow metabolism and dehydration.

To keep the diet manageable, allow yourself the occasional unhealthy item. If you go out to dinner with friends or are celebrating a birthday, you can treat yourself, as long as it is done in moderation.

If you want to maintain a delicious and healthy diet, shop at Lori’s Natural Foods Center in Rochester, NY. This natural grocery store provides healthy food and supplements to customers throughout the Greater Rochester area and some of the Finger Lake area. Their local produce is grown by community farmers and is free of GMOs. See their inventory online, or call (585) 424-2323 with any questions before you shop.