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Rather than dieting, more and more Americans are simply making a conscious effort to start exercising more often and eating healthier foods. Eating healthy is not always as straightforward as it may seem, however, and identifying the best healthy foods to eat can be challenging. It is important to eat the right combination of foods to ensure your body is getting the nutrients and energy it needs each day. As such, a healthy diet should contain protein, fats, vitamins and minerals, carbohydrates, and plenty of water. To help people know what to eat when eating healthy, below are a few simple tips.

Get Your Protein

Protein is found in a wide variety of foods – not just meat and fish. Other animal products that contain protein include eggs, milk, yogurt and other dairy foods. However, there are plenty of plant-based sources of protein as well, including:

• Soybeans
• Lentils
• Quinoa
• Beans, particularly chickpeas, black beans and pinto beans
• Avocados
• Sweet potatoes
• Sesame seeds
• Pistachios
• Nut butters

Just how much protein does your body need to stay healthy? The recommended daily intake is 46 grams per day for adult women and 56 grams per day for adult men. (Source: http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/protein).

Consume Healthy Fats

Fat is not always bad for you. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in vegetable oils, fish, veggies, nuts and seeds are essential to your health. Eating a limited amount of healthy fats from sources such as olive oil, sunflower oil, avocados, olives, walnuts, tofu, flax seed and fatty fish like salmon and tuna can ensure you are getting the nutrients you need each day. (Source: http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_diet_fats.htm).

Eat Plenty of Fruits and Veggies

Fresh fruits and veggies are a great source of the carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals your body needs on a daily basis. Try to eat a variety of these foods in a rainbow of colors to ensure you are getting a good mix of nutrients.

Drink More Water

It is essential to make sure you are drinking enough water every day. But just how much is enough? The amount of water you need to consume will vary depending on your activity level, the climate where you live, and other factors. As a basic guideline, however, men should consume at least 3 liters (13 cups) and women should consume a minimum of 2.2 liters (9 cups) each day. (Source: http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-living/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256).

When dining out, visit Pita Jungle, a Mediterranean restaurant in Arizona and Southern California, that offers fresh, healthy meals at affordable prices. Come discover the “The Art of Eating Healthy®” at a Pita Jungle near you today!