10 Simple Health Practices: 1. Sensible Eating

Well, I’m pretty sure that the phrase “you are what you eat” rings a bell to all, if not, most of you. What makes a body perfect or less than perfect is what we put into it. If taken care of properly, our bodies will serve us faithfully for more than a century. But on the other hand, if we were to shove all sorts of junk into it, it is with no doubt that our bodies will not function as well as it otherwise would.

So now, what is it exactly that we should put into our bodies to ensure sustained functionality of our organs and limbs? For those looking for an answer to that, you may want to read on.

1. Eat less fat
Various research and studies have shown that obese people are more susceptible to diabetes and heart related diseases. As high fat content in an obese body is likely to accumulate and clog up arteries and veins, it will actually trigger the next potential cardiovascular disease. Moreover, fat people are also generally perceived to be lazy and intellectually challenged, which diminishes their chances of landing good jobs. So, instead of spending tons of money on slimming products or therapy, why not start by preventing obesity in the first place?

2. Eat less sugar
Sugar – another major culprit of obesity and diabetes. For those who do not know, too much sugar intake can also cause cancer and impair the structure of our DNA. It also interferes with the absorption of protein. In any case, too much sugar is also bad for your teeth. You wouldn’t want to become a regular patron of that dental clinic down the street, do you?

3. Eat less salt
In addition to contributing to commonly known hypertension and cardiac failure, excessive salt intake also causes constipation and renal diseases. The drawing of water by salt interferes with the normal absorption of water during the digestion process leads to the accumulation of toxins in the intestinal tract. A natural antibiotic, salt also kills living bacteria including the good ones in the body.

4. Eat more fibre
Calling out to those of you who are in the midst of your weight loss programme, don’t forget to take more fibre. As fibrous foods occupy a large space in your stomach, thus it actually makes you feel full and preventing you from overeating. Fibre also helps in preventing constipation by keeping your bowel movements smooth. It lowers the blood pressure and regulates the blood sugar as well by removing bile acids that digest fats.

5. Eat more fruits and vegetables
This is certainly the umpteenth time you are seeing or hearing this I’m sure. But still, I find it hard to leave this out of the list, so, just bear with me for at least the next 10 seconds or so. Well, fruits and vegetables are especially important in preventing chronic diseases. They have the minerals, antioxidants and vitamins in the correct combination that help to build up the immune system. Eating fruits and vegetables of different colours gives your body a wide range of nutrients such as potassium and vitamins A and C. So the next time you visit that grocery store or supermarket, be sure to fill your shopping basket with rainbow colours!

Sensible eating is undoubtedly the first prerequisite for a strong and healthy body. It is not the wide variety of food available that you owe it to but your own self-discipline to eat carefully and to balance your own diet. Cultivating a sensible eating habit that is tailored-made to your lifestyle as early as possible is definitely one big step towards longevity. Don’t you think so?