Eating well is fundamental to good health and well-being. Healthy eating helps us to maintain a healthy weight and reduces our risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and some cancers. Eating a healthy diet that includes lots of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and a moderate amount of unsaturated fats, meat and dairy can help you maintain a steady weight. Having a good variety of these foods every day leaves less room for foods that are high in fat and sugar – a leading cause of weight gain. For today’s New Year’s resolution feature, we, at The Modern East, have compiled a list of resolutions that are all related to healthy food and eating. Thinking of cleaning up your diet? Keep reading!

Cut Back on Sweetened Beverages

Cutting back on sweetened beverages is a smart idea considering that sugary drinks are linked to an increased risk of obesity, fatty liver, heart disease, insulin resistance, and cavities in both children and adults Though quitting sweetened beverages a cold turkey is always an option, gradually minimizing your intake may help you kick your sugary drink habit for good.

Cook More Meals at Home

Research shows that people who cook more meals at home have better diet quality and less body fat than people who eat more meals on the go! Start by making one meal a day, then increase the frequency over time until you’re making the majority of your meals and snacks at home.

Eat More Whole Foods

One of the easiest and most sustainable ways to improve overall health is to eat more whole foods. Whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and fish, contain a plethora of nutrients that your body needs to function at an optimal level. Also, adding more whole foods to your diet can be done slowly and consistently. For example, if you’re not used to eating vegetables, start by adding one serving of your favorite veggie to your diet every day.

Add More Produce to Your Diet

Adding more cooked and raw vegetables and fruits to your diet can go a long way towards improving your health in the new year. Numerous studies have shown that eating a diet rich in produce helps protect against various illnesses, such as diabetes, heart diseases, certain cancers, and obesity, as well as overall mortality!