Simple Steps To Starting A Healthy Diet And Improving Your Health

Most of us wish we could live longer. But not all of us are willing to make the lifestyle changes that would help us do it.

One way to increase your odds of living a long life is to eat right. Here are five ways to start doing just that:

1. Replace processed foods with fresh ones. Processed foods often contain trans fats, which have been linked to heart disease. They also typically have lots of sugar and salt, which can lead to obesity and high blood pressure, both of which increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

2. Emphasize vegetables and fruits in your diet. For example, instead of having bread or chips as a snack, try fruit or vegetables instead. These foods are packed with fiber and other nutrients that can help you feel full on fewer calories than less healthy options such as sweets or salty snacks.

3. Include whole grains in your diet. Whole grains provide fiber and other nutrients that can reduce cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Plus, they tend to be more filling than processed grains, so they can help you lose weight or maintain a healthy one.

4. Cut back on salt and sugar. Sure, it tastes good in the moment, but too much sugar and salt can lead to high blood pressure, heart disease and other health problems that could cut your life shorter. Instead of adding salt to your food at the table or while cooking, consider other healthy spices like garlic powder or turmeric to add flavor to your meals instead of using pre-packaged foods that have high amounts of sodium. Also try cutting out sugar-sweetened beverages like soda and adding lemon or mint leaves to water for a healthier drink alternative.