We know what constitutes a healthy diet, but understanding all of the details is overwhelming. The USDA lists the three most basic guidelines of a healthy diet as:
- A diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
- Meals that include poultry, fish, lean meats, beans, nuts and eggs
- Food that contains a minimum amount of saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and additional sugars
Unfortunately, while we know all of this, breaking the junk food habit and incorporating healthy eating is tough. So what if we associated eating well with things we enjoy? There are hobbies that encourage consuming the right food for our bodies, as well an emphasis on fun.
Cooking
You’re likely to consume more calories when you eat out. A study in Public Health Nutrition suggested that eating out or ordering food from a drive-thru increases the amount of saturated fats, sodium and sugar in our diets., meaning it’s a smarter choice to dine at home. Cooking is a popular hobby and a great way to relax, experiment with different foods and provide a meal for loved ones. Since the cook is in control of the ingredients, it is easy to determine how much fat, sugar and salt are contained in a given meal. In addition, you’re able to incorporate nutrition into each dish (example: a legume dish paired with lean meats and a dessert made with organic fruit).
Hunting
Hunting is a great way to exercise and enjoy the wilderness and provides peace of mind because you can ensure that the game that you are hunting is not fed with antibiotics or preservatives. Since you are responsible for aging the meat after you hunt, you know exactly how it is processed without worrying that you’ consuming chemicals that may have adverse effects on your body.
Fishing
Do you enjoy the water and the relaxing air of the outdoors? Fishing is a great way to slow down and focus on the present. If you’ve never been fishing or have never fished from a boat, you need to get your boating license so you understand not only boating safety, but also about practicing environmental responsibility while fishing.
When you catch your own fish, you know that it came from a natural and healthy resource and that it is fresh, ecofriendly and cooked with ingredients that you choose.
Gardening
Connecting with the soil and Mother Earth is therapeutic for many. Building a garden and growing your own fruit, vegetables and herbs is an excellent way to relax and also fuels good nutrition. You don’t have to worry about the source of your fruits and veggies and by gardening you promote the desire to emphasize natural foods as a part of your lifestyle. The convenience of walking out into your garden and picking out a few vegetables to cook is unbeatable. Not only that but growing your own produce is a great way to save money.
Canning and Preserving
There is concern that canned products contain dyes, chemicals and preservatives that lead to long-term illness. The solution is canning and preserving your own jams, pickles or fruit at home to eliminate any worry, as you’re the one who controls what is canned and know exactly what occurred during the entire preserving process.
Fueling your body with nutrition is easier when you participate in hobbies that promote health as well as relaxation. You aren’t forced to carve out time to eat healthy because your hobby takes care of it for you.
