Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik

Nearly 60% of adults in the United States are diagnosed with chronic diseases. This makes up a significant portion of the population, and the numbers easily point out how prevalent such diseases already are. Although this pattern isn’t surprising, given that risks of chronic diseases increase with age, this should still evoke concern.

Weird comparison, but just as a car needs its fuel to run, humans need food and water to function. Hence, when it’s struck with life-concerning illnesses, their food intake is the first to get affected—cue in healthy dietary habits such as counting calories and opting for healthier alternatives. With chronic illness, patients typically change diets due to restrictions and a stricter approach to fueling the body. They lose the liberty to consume the food they are used to or enjoy the same course as they did.

While this may not affect people’s daily intake, it will still impact how they enjoy and perceive eating. So, what can be done?

The Role of Diet on Chronic Conditions

It’s a rule of thumb in handling not only chronic but any health conditions. If the patient wants to be healthier, manage symptoms, and decrease risks, they must oversee the food they consume.

Food is the best medicine, given its capacity to either worsen or ease health conditions.

Everyone needs to eat. In some instances, people consume food to enjoy.

However, when diet plays a vital role in maintaining certain health levels and factors, eating becomes less pleasurable and more nutritious. People adhere to healthy dietary habits. They understand that they need to eat not only because it’s enjoyable or routine but because they need all the nutrients they can take.

Nutrition plays a pivotal role in managing chronic conditions. Picking the right food may seem negligible as patients pay more attention to treatments and movements. However, choices as minor as eating a bar of chocolate or foregoing vegetables for a couple of meals will already impact one’s health.

Every choice matters when it comes to managing chronic conditions. But this surely doesn’t mean people can’t enjoy it as much. “Good things in moderation.” This should be every patient’s mantra regarding their daily consumption. While healthy alternatives come in handy and healthy dietary habits should be prioritized, people with chronic diseases still deserve treats occasionally.

What Are Some Healthy Dietary Habits to Uphold?

People’s primary healthy dietary habits depend on the condition they’re experiencing. As the body is struck with ailments and complications, its physiological dynamics and demands shift. Whether it’s lowering caloric intake or slowing down on salt and sweets, each condition has certain restrictions people must follow. This is where it often becomes challenging.

Healthy living can seem like a simple principle.

However, costs, preferences, and the accessibility of alternatives beg to differ. It’s easy to advise someone to eat healthily. But if people were to do it themselves, they would realize how tough it can be. This doesn’t only equate to adjusting personal palates and being accustomed to a “bland diet,” it also means scouring groceries for alternatives and building new recipes to match.

Healthy dietary habits can be composed of complex alterations and limitations. People will find these troublesome to remember and keep up. Fortunately, for starters, there is one tip anyone can practice. Whether they’re suffering from any chronic illness or simply someone looking to become healthier, this dietary habit can help improve their health.

table with fruits and vegetables multiple small bowls

A photo of vegetables and other healthy food | Image by jcomp on Freepik

DASH Diet

This particular approach to consumption is one of those healthy dietary habits that cater to a specific illness but are also beneficial to anyone. DASH, or Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, is a process of adjusting consumption to control blood pressure and reduce risks of heart disease. This is typically done by limiting meals high in salt, sugar, and saturated fats—basically any element that may contribute to these complications.

Although this is a habit recommended for people who are at risk of hypertension, elements involved in the process can still benefit everyone. It’s among the most well-balanced healthy dietary plans that incorporate a variety of nutrients into people’s meals.

It emphasizes the importance of not only cutting back salt and sugar but also including whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats in every meal. Author Eleanor Gaccetta shares some hearty recipes and a taste of home on Generations of Good Food. Here, readers can find meals that fit their health demands and requirements—an easy and accessible source of healthy yet delicious dishes.

Adequate Hydration

Nothing says healthy dietary habits than drinking loads of water. This practice doesn’t have to warrant any inaccessible or expensive alternatives. All people need is the conscious decision to stay hydrated, which is crucial for everyone. Adequate hydration doesn’t only mean drinking water. This can also involve eating water-rich food such as fruits, lettuce, or skim milk.

Small Changes but Consequential Results

Healthy dietary habits aren’t only meant for people diagnosed with chronic illnesses. Instead, these serve as reminders for everyone to be mindful of their daily consumption. There are rising cases of diagnoses, and one way to combat this is for people to adhere to a healthier lifestyle.

The above tips are some of the most basic and undemanding changes anyone can practice. They can be the benchmark for the more consequential modifications. Starting small is the best way to establish healthy dietary habits. More manageable changes ease their way better into routines until they feel more natural.

If you’re looking for recipes that are easy to handle and don’t require much effort yet are still flavorful and satisfying, grab a copy or two of Eleanor Gaccetta’s Generations of Good Food on Amazon, online Barnes and Noble or at her website www.onecaregiversjourney.com.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This
Skip to content