There is so much controversy about different diets, lifestyles, and best practices for eating healthy! Research told us eating lean meat was the only way to get the required amount of protein our bodies needed. Fast forward ten years and new research informs us that red meat and processed meat, like cold cuts or luncheon meats are carcinogens and cause cancer and chronic illnesses.
Carcinogen- a substance capable of causing cancer. See link below for a list of common carcinogens.
Now health officials tell us a vegan, vegetarian, or paleo diet is best to maintain a healthy lifestyle and protect against diseases. It's difficult to know exactly what to believe and what to eat! And this is why I read and research daily. I also vet my sources before I share any information on social media or with my family and friends. I make sure my information is backed by scholarly peer-reviewed sources and journals—reviewed and fact-checked by professionals in their respective fields of study.
Here are a few methods I use that may help you in your quest to discover what "Eating Healthy" Means for you.
1. Do your own research. Don't rely on a social media post or your best friend! If you’re unsure about what you should be eating, you need to first consult your doctor, then read literature from reputable sources, i.e journals, government agencies, and websites backed by registered nurses and doctors. Regardless, make sure your research is backed by at least three reputable sources.
2. Discover what foods work best for your body and lifestyle, and eliminate the foods that your body says NO to, i.e processed foods, sugar, and diets strictly based on animal protein. Listen to your body even when introducing healthier options. You may have an allergic reaction, or your body may take time to respond to the change in diet.
3. Stay away from fads and trends when it comes to what you put into your body. Trendy diets are more than likely temporary and not backed by research.
4. Eat clean and healthy, and enjoy your food! Eating should be a wonderful adventure, not a daunting task! Try to limit your salt intake as much as possible by using herbs and spices to season your food. Herbs and spices not only add flavor to your food but have many health benefits. Look for my upcoming post about using herbs and spices to season food!
Whether you eat lean meat, poultry, fish, vegetables, or fruit—enjoy what you eat and stay knowledgeable about what you choose to put into your body. The goal is to live a healthy, active, and happy life—full of laughter and great food! It's time to live your best life starting with what you put into your body.
"Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food."—Hippocrates
https://www.cancer.org/healthy/cancer-causes/general-info/known-and-probable-human-carcinogens.html
https://www.webmd.com/cancer/know-common-carcinogens
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