We are often told that healthy eating is important both for our general well being, and also for sports performance. But what is healthy eating? How do we know if we are getting it right?
Healthy eating is not actually that hard if you follow certain simple principles. It is not about being perfect, but about adopting habits that mean that most of the time you are getting it right.
Some of the keys to healthy eating include:
- Five a day: We are constantly being told to get our "five-a-day" of fruit and veg, but surprisingly few people actually do so. If you ensure that you do eat at least five portions of fresh fruit and vegetables a day, you will ensure that you get a good mix of natural ingredients in your diet.
- Fresh natural ingredients: The more fresh ingredients you eat, and therefore the less packaged food, the better off you will be. You'll get more essential nutrients, and a lot less chemicals and additives.
- Water: This one is easy - drink water! The more water you drink, the less likely you are to be drinking tea, coffee, soft drinks, etc. Aim for 8 glasses per day.
- Junk food: Nutritionally worthless and packed with all the things your body doesn't need - transfats, sugar, caffeine - the less junk food you eat, the better. Use it as an occasional treat rather than a regular part of your diet.
- Alcohol: Empty calories, alcohol can pack on the pounds really quickly if you drink regularly. Limit how often, and how much you drink.
If you follow these simple rules you will look and feel better, have more energy, and lose any excess weight.
