THE PULSE

Improving your diet can seem overwhelming—what does your body really need? It can also feel restrictive—who wants to give up their favorite treats forever?

Improving your diet doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing thing, though. Many dieticians recommend trying to add more nutritious foods to your diet rather than excessively worrying about what you need to cut out. This can help your nutritious choices feel more like a bonus than a burden, which can lead to better long-term habits. With that perspective in mind, here are 3 types of foods you should eat every day—or at least try to eat more often.

Leafy Greens

Shout-out to leafy greens for giving us phytonutrients, antioxidants, and vitamins A, C, E and K. They’ll boost your immune system and give you glowing skin. Leafy greens (like spinach, kale, or romaine lettuce) are always great in a salad, but try adding them to your pasta, blending them into a smoothie, or using them in a breakfast scramble.
 

Nuts

Need an on-the-go snack? Nuts are a great food to keep in your car, workout bag or purse. They’re high in healthy fats, protein, and fiber, so they keep you full for longer and leave you feeling satisfied. Walnuts, almonds, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts and pecans are especially heart-healthy.
 

Lean protein

The USDA suggests that most people in the US get enough protein, but should focus on opting for leaner varieties, choosing meat and plant-based meat substitutes less often.

Here are some examples of lean protein – both from meat and non-meat sources:

• Tofu
• Egg (most people can eat an egg every day as part of a healthy diet)
• Chicken
• Salmon and other fish
• Turkey
• Lentils and beans
• Greek yogurt

Variety is great when it comes to protein, so try to add different lean protein sources to your diet each day. Looking to cut down on your meat intake? Check out one month of recipes for low-carb Meatless Mondays.