1. Cook Meals at Home

Although it can be more convenient to eat at a restaurant or order take-out, it's best not to rely too heavily on this lifestyle. Restaurants tend to serve very large portions, causing you to unintentionally eat more than the recommended serving size. In addition, you don't know what ingredients are going into your meals.

Cooking your own meals is a healthier option because you know exactly what's going into your food, and you won't have to worry about any hidden ingredients. If you're feeling adventurous, you can try cooking food from different cultures from the comfort of your own home. This can allow you to explore different cuisines, gain appreciation for new cultures and try new foods that you've never sampled before.

2. Switch to Whole Grain Bread

Because bread is such a large part of many people's diets, it can have a huge impact on overall health. This is why you should switch from refined bread to whole grain bread. Refined grains, which include white bread and refined wheat bread, spike your blood sugar levels and cause you to feel hungry soon after you've eaten. Although the name "refined wheat bread" may sound healthy, the refining process strips the grain of all its valuable nutrients. Studies have also shown that eating refined grains can increase your risk of type two diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity.

Therefore, be sure to look for whole grain bread, which is packed with vitamin B, zinc, iron and fiber, just to name a few. Eating whole grain products regularly has also been shown to possibly reduce the risk of stroke, heart disease and cancer. Because there are so many different types of whole grain products to choose from, you're likely to find one that best fits your preferences.

3. Cut Out Sugary Drinks

Many people think that as long as they eat healthy foods, they can still drink unhealthy beverages and it won't negatively impact them. However, sugary drinks are packed with colors, artificial sweeteners and harmful chemicals that have been linked to an increased incidence of reproductive issues, brain dysfunction and even cancer. If you're craving a sweet drink, try substituting soda for sparkling water, coconut water or a fruit smoothie. 

4. Don't Forget Your Shopping List

You'd be surprised at how differently you shop at the grocery store when you bring a list versus when you don't. Bringing a list with you makes it more likely that you'll only buy the items on it, and you'll be less tempted to impulsively reach for the cookies or soda.

On a similar note, make sure that you don't go shopping on an empty stomach. While you may not think this makes much of a difference, a recent study discovered that individuals who consumed a meal right before going to the grocery store bought significantly fewer high-calorie products than those who went to the store hungry. This probably makes sense to you based on experience, as unhealthy foods seem more tempting when you're hungry.

5. Eat Red Meat Less Often

A large-scale study conducted over the course of eight years found that adults who regularly ate red and processed meat had higher mortality rates than those who ate healthier protein-rich foods, such as nuts, eggs and fish. Although you can enjoy meat every once in a while, try to stick with grass-fed beef, which contains fewer calories, less fat and more omega-3 fatty acids.

You can take charge of your health and change your diet by making small but significant modifications to your diet. Following these five nutrition tips can help you live a healthier lifestyle.

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