sugar over added sugars. Things like honey, agave, and high fructose corn syrup have zero nutritional value,” Jackson adds.
Instead, fill up on fresh fruit and vegetables, which contain fiber. As you may know, increasing your daily fiber intake by 10g can cut your risk of premature death by 10%, as it lowers cholesterol levels, slows the body’s absorption of glucose, controlling blood sugar spikes; in turn reducing your risk for diabetes and heart disease, and satisfies hunger while you work hard on shedding excess weight.
Combine them with “healthy fats like salmon, other fishes, nuts, leafy greens, oils such as flaxseed, avocados, and seeds – which are rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids,” and you’re on the right track to looking and feeling great.
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Not sure where to start? Let’s rehash…
- Emphasize fiber-rich fruits and vegetables: Leafy greens, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, are great choices as they’re rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and folate and provide a natural immune booster.
- Reach for whole grains: Foods like oatmeal, brown rice and whole wheat bread are great sources of fiber and other important nutrients, such as selenium, potassium and magnesium
- Limit added sugars: While added sugar isn’t harmful (in small amounts). Too much added sugar can lead to such health problems as tooth decay, poor nutrition and weight gain.
Instead, try blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries — packed full of nutrients. Not to mention, they are lower in sugar than other types of fruit such as mangos or bananas.