Friday, January 17, 2014

Whole Grain Flour Mixes For Baking And Other Healthy Tips

By Marissa Velazquez


Making the switch to a healthier diet requires learning new recipes and making some changes to the food that you keep stocked in your kitchen. This can be a daunting process, but with the right planning, it does not have to be too difficult. Some new ingredients, such as whole grain flour mixes for baking, and a few new recipes, can make the transition smooth and simple. Here are a few guidelines to keep in mind.

Fiber is an important part of a healthy eating plan. It helps to prevent you from becoming constipated, and it also works against diseases such as diabetes and keeps your heart healthy.

Whole grains have much more fiber than overly processed grains. Whenever possible, choose whole wheat flour and bread. Oatmeal and cornmeal are also good ingredients to cook with and to keep on hand.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are another great source of fiber, and this is why a healthy diet includes five or more servings. Sometimes it seems like a lot of work to prepare fruits and veggies each day, but there are ways that you can make it easier.

To make this easier, try chopping your produce as soon as you bring it home from the farmers' market or the grocery store. If you have the fruits and veggies chopped and stored in small containers, they will be more easily accessible when you are packing your lunch, making a salad, or preparing a stir or soup for dinner. All of these things are less daunting if the vegetables are already chopped and easily accessible.

It is very important to include enough protein in your diet. Lean meats such as boneless, skinless chicken, lean beef, and ground turkey are great ways to get this in. If you are vegetarian, beans are a fantastic protein source.

Everyone needs to be sure to drink the proper amount of fluids, especially water. Depending on your weight and daily level of activity, the amount of water you need will vary, but 8 glasses is a good figure to aim for. If you are very active, for instance if you are an athlete or if your job is physically taxing, you may need to drink more. Some of your water can come from the food you eat, which is another reason why hydrating fruits and veggies are good to include in your diet. Always stay hydrated; if you a thirsty, it is a sign that you are dehydrated already. Start with a glass of water first thing every morning. This will wake up your internal organs and get your body going.

Keeping all of these things in mind will help you to form healthier habits, such as using whole grain flour mixes for baking. Exercise is also necessary. Even a half hour of walking each day can have dramatic health benefits. Getting enough sleep is beneficial as well. It is good for digestion and helps your body to process the things you eat. It is not necessary to pay a lot of money or to hire a nutritionist in order to change your lifestyle. With enough research and motivation, you can do it on your own!




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