Following the life lessons presented in 2020, the year 2021 has once again highlighted that our health is priceless and that we should never take it for granted. Though you might not have managed to stick to all your New Year’s resolutions of 2021 due to the challenges of the pandemic life, you should not be discouraged to set your resolutions for a healthier 2022.
In the spirit of keeping the goals as realistic, practical, and attainable as possible, we’d like to invite you to practice the following healthy eating tips that are simple yet highly beneficial to improve and maintain your overall health.
#1 Choose water and avoid sugary drinks!
Are you already staying hydrated by drinking 2 liters of water per day? That’s great! But now, it’s time to step up your game by drinking enough water while also avoiding sugary drinks.
And if you’re craving some flavor in your cold beverage, you can always go for healthy options such as infused water, herbal teas, unsweetened fresh juices, and other drinks that are not high in calories.
#2 And once again, cut back on sugar for the sake of healthier 2022!
Too much sugar increases your risk of heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. And tricky enough, “too much sugar” can mean different things for different people. However, the American Heart Association suggests a daily limit of no more than 37.5 grams for men and 25 grams for women, which you can use as a general guideline.
The good news is that our body does not need any added sugar, meaning that we can all benefit from cutting back on it. Since there is sugar in even the most unexpected products, it is highly recommended to read food labels to be aware of and limit your sugar intake.
#3 Stick to one serving only
Some of us are way too comfortable with the freedom of having seconds, which certainly makes it harder to keep our calories in check. Experts have shared that it is important to stick to a standard serving per meal. Thus, make sure to stick to one serving only.
#4 Add more fiber to your diet
By consuming more fruits and vegetables, you can maintain a high-fiber diet that keeps your digestive tract healthy. And your digestive health plays a vital role in your general health and wellbeing. To add more fruit and veggies to your daily diet, you can start replacing some of your unhealthy snacks with a piece of fruit or certain types of veggies.
#5 Cut down on saturated fat for a healthier 2022
While you do need some fat in your diet, it’s crucial to watch the amount and type of fat you consume. Saturated fat, found in foods such as fatty cuts of meat, processed meat, butter, cream, cakes, and more, can increase the amount of cholesterol in your blood. This may increase your risk of developing heart disease.
Experts have suggested consuming less saturated fat and getting your fat intake from foods that contain unsaturated fats, such as fish, nuts, seeds, and avocados.
#6 Reduce your salt intake
Though your body does need salt, it is essential to control how much salt is in your diet, as consuming too much salt can lead to various health problems.
Most of the foods that you buy already contain salt. Therefore, you should avoid adding too much salt to the food you prepare yourself. Instead, you can experiment with herbs and spices to flavor your food!
As for the products you buy, check out the food labels and keep in mind that more than 1.5g of salt per 100g means the food is high in salt.
We sincerely hope that you feel motivated to make some healthy changes in your eating habit. Here’s to a happier and healthier 2022!
English 
Indonesian