We have been exposed to various diets since the dawn of time. From the very famous Atkins diet, Dukan diet, Mediterranean diet, Paleo diet, 17-day diet, keto diet, and now the very recent DASH diet.
What is the DASH Diet?
The DASH diet, gaining popularity now, was founded in the 1990s. Unlike other diets, it was created not for weight loss. The goal was to reduce blood pressure. In fact, DASH stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension.
The DASH diet instructs to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, complex carbohydrates are fully embraced, lean meats and low-fat dairy in moderation, and nuts and seeds are recommended two to three times a week. All of these, of course, with low sodium. This could present as a risk as our body needs sodium in moderation to function.
The following foods however are off-limits:
- Bacon
- Lamb
- Beef
- Fried foods
- Vegetable shortening
- Lard
- Margarine
However, like most diets, once the goal has been achieved, we will revert to our old ways, hence making diets unsustainable.
Instead of diets, eating healthy should be a way of life. Here’s how we can incorporate eating healthy everyday without being ‘burnt-out’.
Just Have Your 8-A-Day
The idea is simple! Ensure that you have these foods daily, in moderation, and you can still enjoy your meats and decadent desserts when you wish too. Just ensure ALL IN MODERATION.
After all, wellness doesn’t only include physical well-being, it also includes mental well-being.
Instead of diets, adopt healthy eating habits and savour your guilty pleasures once-off, all in the name of moderation.
