Do You Follow These Rules of Good Nutrition?

You know that fast food isn’t good for you. It’s full of fat, calories, salt and sugar and most is lacking in vitamins and minerals. While the occasional fast food meal probably isn’t going to kill you, making it habit to hit the drive-thru can wreak havoc on your health. It can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, heart disease, nutrient deficiencies and a decline in cognitive function. Take two minutes and have a peanut butter and jelly with an apple instead.

According to recent research, shopping for food in small supermarkets can translate to a lower number on the scale. When you have fewer options, you tend to make fewer impulse purchases that aren’t healthy. At the same time, the study found that shopping in huge stores translates to purchasing fewer whole grains, fruits and veggies.

You’ve heard all the hype about eating a handful of nuts for a snack. They are loaded with healthy fats and protein, while being satisfying in terms of your appetite. However, roasted nuts are often cooked in partially hydrogenated fats that aren’t healthy. Buy raw nuts instead. You can eat them that way or you can roast them yourself at home.

Almond milk is a great choice for people who are lactose intolerant, but if your favorite brand contains carrageenan, you may be doing more harm than good. That’s because this ingredient, which thickens the milk, can cause bloating, gas and other intestinal disturbances. Read labels and choose a brand of almond milk without carrageenan.

You might be shocked to find out that there’s something better than kale, a so-called superfood. Kale is definitely good for you and you shouldn’t give it up all the time. But, alternate it with broccoleaf, which is simply the fancy name for the broccoli leaves. They have loads of calcium and fiber and taste great raw or cooked.

Stone fruits are plentiful in the spring and summer, but you can also find them canned and frozen during the winter months. Research shows that stone fruits can help fight metabolic syndrome, a concerning combination of belly fat, insulin resistance and high cholesterol. Certain properties in the fruit are responsible, making them a top-rate choice.

Salmon is something you should be eating a few times each week. Why? Because it’s loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart and brain health. But the farmed version may not have the same benefits due to the food that farmers feed the salmon. Opt for wild caught salmon, even though it costs a bit more.

Do any of these top tips surprise you? What changes will you be making now?