Any kind of diet will be more successful if people focus on the foods that they can have instead of the ones they cannot. Fruits, vegetables, fish, whole grains, and healthy fats are essential for a healthy diet that maintains a healthy immune system.
Olive oil, beans, nuts, legumes, seeds, herbs and spices are all part of a healthy diet. Poultry, eggs, cheese and yogurt are recommended in moderation, anywhere from daily to weekly. Fish and seafood should be consumed often, at least two times a week. Red meat should be limited to a few times a month instead of every week.
Butter should be replaced with healthy fats such as canola oil and olive oil. Olive oil can be used in pastas, vegetables, breads, salads, and fish. Olive oil is much more healthier that butter and margarine. Using herbs and spices to flavor foods instead of salt is an option that also provides health benefits.
Maintaining a healthy immune system can also include healthy levels of cholesterol. Nuts are high in fat but not saturated fat; nuts contain healthy fat. Healthy fats keep you feeling fuller and more satisfied than limiting fats all together do; this fact helps when it comes to portion control. Whole grain bread and rice are also healthy foods that are suggested.
Limiting processed foods and eating more plant-based and natural foods is a smart choice that provides many health benefits. Eating food that is in season and locally grown, if possible, is one way to avoid processed and packaged foods and get the most health benefits.
Tomatoes, peppers, spinach, eggplant, capers, broccoli. mushrooms, lentils, chick peas, and white beans are all vegetables and grains that help maintain a healthy immune system. These foods are known to help decrease heart disease, strokes, diabetes, and many cancers.
Moroccan-Spiced Cod is a good dinner choice. A delicious way to cook this dish includes the following ingredients: 4 cod fillets, about (3 to 4 ounces each), 1 TBS extra virgin olive oil, Juice from 1 fresh lemon, 1 TBS ground cumin, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1 clove garlic (peeled and minced), 1/4 teaspoon sea salt, dash red or black pepper, and 1 medium yellow onion (cut into thin slices).
A great choice for lunch or dinner is Almond Walnut Linguine. The ingredients are 8 ounces dried linguine, 1 TBS olive oil, 1/2 cup chopped almonds, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, 2 cloves garlic, minced, 1 TBS fresh basil, minced, or 1 tsp dried basil, 4 anchovy fillets, finely chopped, or 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese.
Cinnamon Oranges are a good choice for breakfast or a snack; the ingredients for this are 2 fresh, ripe oranges, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 tablespoon sugar, and fresh mint for garnish. Oatmeal (mostly the whole kind and not the instant) is also a great choice for breakfast.
Part of a healthy diet is making a lifestyle change instead of going on a diet; incorporating healthy foods into your daily food intake is the key to making this process successful.
