“I’m changing my diet!”

Do your meals often contain foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats? You may be exposing yourself to problems like low energy, digestive issues and weight gain. Do you want to live a long and healthy life?

As spring approaches, consider these essential recommendations from nutrition experts.

• Choose fresh and varied foods. Focus your diet on vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes. For the best quality, opt for local and seasonal foods—ideally organic—whenever possible.

• Limit highly processed foods. Reduce your consumption of fast food, deli meats and sweet desserts. These options may be tasty, but they’re often low in nutrients and high in salt, sugar and saturated fats, which can harm your health.

• Minimize your meat. Diets with too much red meat, such as beef and pork, have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers. Incorporate plant-based proteins and lean meats like chicken or fish into your meals.

Adopting healthy eating habits may seem challenging at first, but the benefits for your health and well-being are well worth the effort. For more guidance, consult Canada’s Food Guide or schedule an appointment with a dietitian-nutritionist.