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A happy life is often a healthy life. The better care we take of our bodies, the more we are able to do and the more comfortable we are likely to feel. So, it’s not all too surprising that most of us are willing to implement some positive changes into our lives to lead better rounded existences. Now, there are countless areas of health and wellbeing that we can focus on. But for now, let’s focus on diet. Here are some healthy dietary changes we can make to maximise our dietary health!

Manage Your Calories

Calories are a unit of measurement that let us know how much energy different foods contain. Ideally, you shouldn’t micromanage your calorie consumption. But there is a rough guideline to follow depending on your age, sex and activity levels. This can be found below:

• Children aged 2 to 8 - 1000 to 1400 calories

• Girls aged 9 to 13 - 1400 to 1600 calories

• Boys aged 9 to 13 - 1600 to 2000 calories

• Active women aged 14 to 30 - 2400 calories

• Sedentary women aged 14 to 30 - 1800 to 2000 calories

• Active men aged 14 to 30 - 2800 to 3200 calories

• Sedentary men aged 14 to 30 - 2000 to 2600 calories

• Active adults over 30 - 2000 to 3000 calories

• Sedentary adults over 30 - 1600 to 2400 calories

If you are underweight or overweight, these figures may need to be adjusted to help you reach your healthy goal weight. A doctor or nutritionist will be able to make further recommendations in regard to this.

Try Vegetarianism or Veganism

Vegetarianism and veganism are on the rise. These are both lifestyles that cut animals or animal produce out of your diet. Vegetarians don’t eat meat or fish but do eat dairy, eggs and other products produced by animals. Vegans don’t eat animals or anything they produce, so don’t eat meat, fish, dairy, eggs, honey, gelatine and more. Now, many people go vegetarian or vegan for the animals or for the environment. But there are many health benefits that come hand in hand with these diets too. Red meats are often full of saturated fats, which can result in heart conditions or cancers. Eggs and dairy are also high in cholesterol. If you do adopt a plant based diet, just make sure to replace any nutrients that you may be cutting out. There are plenty of plant based alternatives out there. You may also want to use supplements, such as top nootropics for vegan lifestyles.

Avoid Fad Diets

All too many of us engage with some sort of fad diet in our lifetimes. This could be a diet to lose weight, a “cleansing detox” diet or anything else. Generally speaking, these diets aren’t actually good for you. They are often designed by marketing departments who make money off people’s insecurities and people’s impatience to improve their health. Losing lots of weight fast generally isn’t healthy - as is putting on weight fast. Really, the only way to lead a healthy lifestyle is to eat a healthy and balanced diet and to exercise. This means that fad diets are a waste of time and money at best. At worst, they can actually damage you. So, avoid them.

These are just a few suggestions to get the ball rolling. Hopefully, some of the information will help you along your way!