Is your diet really healthy? Answer 5 questions and find out –

Decided to come clean with your diet and take healthy eating seriously? Excellent! Here are five necessary questions to ensure good choices at the table.

1. Do the foods I prefer come straight from nature?
O chocolate is made from cocoa, and the cocoa it’s a plant, so it’s technically a health food, right? Of course, you can try to convince your mind that your favorite treats aren’t that bad, but the truth is that the closer to its natural state, the better for your health. “When they are in their natural forms, they provide us with health, contribute to healthy aging, prevent various diseases and provide energy, in addition to containing fibers and essential nutrients for the functioning of the organism”, explains Danielle Baroni, sports and functional nutritionist, from the Danielle Baroni clinic, in Londrina (PR). “More: its substances participate in the production of serotonin – a neurotransmitter that helps combat the negative effects of stress.” On the other hand, highly industrialized products do not have the nutrients we need and also addict the body to chemical compounds that are harmful to it. So stick with the least industrialized chocolate possible.

2. Do I make the right choices at the supermarket?
Some foods seem harmless and good choices for a snack healthy. But, unfortunately, they can hide substances that are not recommended and, due to their strange names, they go unnoticed by the consumer. So always read the label, especially the list of ingredients – they go in order of quantity. “The first to appear are those which were used in the greatest measure in the preparation of the food. Therefore, if sugar is in the top three, consider changing your choice. Also pay attention to the number of ingredients: the less, the better – it means that the product is more natural”, clarifies Danielle.

3. Moderate in the amount of salt?
Many ready-to-eat foods use salt as a flavoring agent. But, in excess, it not only causes swelling how blood pressure increases. If your taste buds are already used to a high dose of spice, add healthy spices to your food preparation. Thyme, saffron, cumin, garlic, cayenne and ginger give vibrant flavor without adding calories. “These seasonings contain antifungal, digestive and hepatoprotective properties, in addition to helping with immunity, accelerating metabolism and reducing cholesterol”, explains the nutritionist Isabella Correia, from Rio de Janeiro.

Read more: 12 foods to gain muscle

4. Does the meat I eat come from a good source?
It may even be that the welfare of the animals does not cross your mind (many people prefer not to think about the origin of the meat), but how they were treated in life must be taken into account. “There are several reasons to give preference to meat in its organic form. It is produced in a more natural way, without chemical and pesticide residues in the feed, preserving flavor, nutritional quality, in addition to the fact that the animals are raised with environmental responsibility”, points out Danielle.

5. Is the fat on my plate healthy?
If you’re trans, run away! And moderate in the saturated – present in large amounts in fried foods and foods inlays. But don’t cut out good options like avocado, oilseeds, coconut oil and olive oil. “Many functions in our body are controlled by fats, including the production of hormones as testosterone in men and estrogen in women, responsible for regulating menstruation. In addition, they provide satiety, which is interesting for those who want to lose weight. But it is important to control the quantity”, says Danielle. If possible, look for a nutritionist to say the ideal dose for you.

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