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For many people, the reason why they can’t follow a healthy diet is that they don’t know what substitutes to introduce to help with weight loss, provide an energy boost and keep their stomachs full. Even though a healthy diet demands some discipline to leave our old habits behind we can make it easier by increasing our understanding of nutritious foods to help us to make smarter choices in the kitchen and see the results that we yearn for. Here some ingredients that you should have in your kitchen to help you on this journey to a healthier life.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds are a quick and easy snack that you can eat everywhere. They are also an easy way to get your daily requirements for healthy fats, fiber, and are very low in carbohydrates but are still sure to keep you satisfied when you need a fast option. This combination is also known for reducing the risk of heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and more. However, even though nuts and seeds are superfoods that offer many benefits, the high-calorie count might be a problem for those who want to lose weight. It’s not a reason to rule out this nutritious snack, instead, be aware of the quantity you eat every day.
Olive oil
Olive oil is full of benefits as it is rich in antioxidants. Olive oil is so versatile that it is a must-have ingredient in your kitchen. Apart from the trans fat, all the other contents of olive oil are more than welcome and we should introduce them to our diet. Olive oil has large amounts of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, that will help you to combat inflammations and are scientifically proven to cure some chronic disease. Buying the correct type of olive oil is very important to ensure you reap all of its benefits fully, for that reason always go for the extra virgin type, which during the process retains all the antioxidants and it’s considered the best type to have in your pantry.
Tinned Food
Tinned food has a bad reputation but there are some you shouldn’t avoid. There are some surprisingly healthy and easy options that you can have in your kitchen that will help you to prepare a quick meal or snack.
Chickpeas: You can use chickpeas in your tuna salad or for hummus to eat with crackers as your mid-afternoon healthy snack. They are very low in sodium, a great vegetarian source of protein, and easy to prepare. You can also play with the options and make different recipes for dinner, such as courgette pasta or stuffed capsicum using chickpeas as the main protein source.
Beans: Tinned beans can be a great and healthy option but they are usually very high in salt. One tip to get rid of the salt is to rinse your beans before using. Beans are great because they are full of fiber and protein. This combined with how quick they are to make puts them high on the list of quick and easy snacks. Just make sure you rinse them first.
Oats
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This cereal is the cheapest and is a very nutritious option for breakfast. This option is very practical and is something you can prepare in advance for a later date. Overnight oats are a really easy option and you can make them even healthier by choosing the right ingredients. Add some berries and coconut flakes to your overnight oats and you will have a breakfast that is rich in fiber, minerals, and vitamins that will keep you full and satisfied until your next meal.
Honey
Honey is a natural sweetener that must be consumed with moderation. However, you can enjoy its benefits if you only use small quantities to get the best of what it offers. Honey is well known for its natural sweetener function, but apart from that honey is a potential probiotic that promotes the growth of good bacteria and helps to improve the digestion system.
These are just five of our favorite items that you should introduce to your diet. Having these on hand in your kitchen will make it easier to follow a healthy diet and ensure you reach your goals without any issues. All five items won’t expire quickly either so add them to your kitchen today and start planning some healthy snacks and meals.
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