Image Credit: Alexander Raths
A balanced diet plays an important role in maintaining one's overall wellness. Did you know that having consistent healthy eating habits can lower the risks of many diseases? Such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other health conditions. Here are some tips that can help you with or start your healthy eating journey:
Visit A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist: Everyone is different—there is no such thing as one plan that fits all. It is best to contact your provider/primary doctor to better understand your health concerns. A registered dietitian nutritionist can help you make healthier food choices while enjoying the foods you like and also help you reach your health goals.
Meal Planning: Try to plan and make healthier choices while eating at home and out. Eating healthy can be difficult when there are faster and more delicious food options around us (e.g., fast food). However, with some planning, you can avoid last-minute unhealthy choices. Try to avoid heavily processed foods and sugary drinks when making food decisions. A simple search of “healthy food restaurants around me” can also be beneficial for eating out.
Vary Your Food Choices: Different food has different health benefits. We can benefit from a diverse diet by reducing the chances of malnutrition, a condition where we don't get enough nutrients from our food. There are various symptoms of malnutrition, including weak muscles, reduced mobility, an increase in illness, and other diseases caused by malnutrition. Try to limit unhealthy fat and consume more healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, fish, olives, and eggs to boost overall health.
Don’t Skip Meals: Eating a balanced, varied diet regularly allows you to get the right amount of nutrients every day, helps you stay healthy, fight off sickness, and keep energy levels up. Maintaining a good relationship with food is key to preventing overeating or binge eating, which can cause bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, and other serious health concerns.
USFHP’s TRICARE Prime plan offers benefits that support healthy living management. We’ve developed incentive programs that give rewards to our members for meeting certain health goals. With our free enhanced benefits, members can choose to receive up to $250 a year in gym reimbursement.
Visit usfhp.net or call 1-800-241-4848 for help finding a provider or assistance scheduling an appointment.