Many of us have decided to adopt healthier lifestyle habits throughout the coming year. This is why it is crucial to embrace a proper diet at an early stage. Whether you wish to drop a few extra pounds or simply to feel better, the fact of the matter is that a handful of professional suggestions can go a long way.

Let us look at five dietary tips that can help your body receive the nutrients that it requires.

1. Leafy Green Vegetables

It is estimated that approximately 12 percent of the Canadian population has embraced some form of vegan lifestyle. This is largely due to the fact that fruits and vegetables contain an incredible number of vital nutrients. Leafy green vegetables such as broccoli and spinach are particularly potent, as they provide massive levels of folic acid, vitamin A, vitamin B, and vitamin C. Be sure to include these within a well-balanced diet. 

2. Drink Plenty of Water

Our bodies comprised of more than 60 percent water. Unfortunately, many of us are not adequately hydrated. Most experts recommend that you consume eight eight-ounce glasses of water every day. Water can help to increase brain function, flush toxins from the kidneys, keep your skin looking younger, and promote a healthy heart. 

3. Smaller Portions

One of the reasons why some individuals tend to gain more weight than others involves the size of the meals. The body has a difficult time metabolising large amounts of calories at one sitting. Thus, these calories are more likely to be stored as fat. There are several benefits associated with smaller portions. Not only will you feel less bloated after a meal, but it is much easier to absorb the nutrients themselves. 

4. Ignore That Sweet Tooth

Sweet and sugary foods can be quite tempting, particularly if they are used as snacks between meals. They will help to satisfy our appetite and they can also provide a short-term energy boost. Unfortunately, these very same snacks do more harm than good. Spiking levels of blood sugar will often lead to subsequent sugar crashes and over time this can even increase your chances of developing adult-onset diabetes. Furthermore, snacks high in sugar may lead to tooth decay and weight gain.

Try to replace these substances with fruits if you have a sudden craving for sweets. The simple sugars contained within fruits are much easier to break down and most fruits contain significant amounts of water (which again may help with hydration). They are packed full of vitamins, and more importantly; studies have shown that snacking on fruit may decrease the risk of developing some types of cancer. The good news is that fruits are also quite tasty, so there is no reason to shy away from these alternatives. 

5. Boost Your Protein Intake

Our bodies utilise protein to build and repair muscles, strengthen bones, and boost brain function. Unfortunately, many individuals are not receiving an adequate amount on a regular basis. Let us also keep in mind that some forms of protein are more easily digestible than others. If you find it difficult to incorporate sufficient foods that are high in protein, it may be wise to supplement your protein intake with high-quality protein powders. Not only are these supplements quite tasty, but they are available in a variety of flavours. Some are even sourced entirely from plants, which is ideal if you wish to embrace a vegan lifestyle in the coming year.

There is no better time than the present to make a positive change in your life and these dietary suggestions will certainly come in handy.