Your diet affects not just your physical health, but your mental health as well! Here are a few tips to make good nutrition a part of your diet.

Eat Healthy Fats

Not all fats are bad! Many naturally high-fat foods are a great source of nutrients. These include avocados, cheese, nuts, yogurt, and dark chocolate. It is still important to monitor your caloric intake with these foods if you are trying to watch your weight.

Increase Your Fiber Intake

A fiber rich diet reduces your risk for developing many conditions, including heart disease and diabetes, and also helps to lower your cholesterol. To increase fiber intake, try adding kidney beans, garbanzo, or other bean varieties to meals, and substitute these for meats in dishes like chili and soup. Try to eat five servings of fruit and vegetables daily, and aim to eat fresh fruits, as they are higher in fiber than canned fruits.

Lower Your Sodium Intake

Most of the sodium we consume comes from processed foods, and foods do not have to taste salty in order for them to be major sources of sodium. To reduce sodium in your diet, buy fresh vegetables, meats, and fish whenever possible, and avoid items with salt or sauces added. When buying prepared items, look for foods with less than 600 milligrams (mg) of sodium per serving.

Add a Variety of Colors

Adding a variety of different colors helps to ensure that your diet is full of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and fiber! A colorful mix of fruits and vegetables usually do not contain saturated fats and sodium, and are low in calories. When choosing leafy vegetables, go for those with darker green leaves like kale, as these are more rich in nutrients.