There are better ways to eat healthier than cutting out different foods. Here are a few ways to improve your meals for better health and enjoyment.

If you’re interested in eating better, healthier food, there are plenty of ways to do so besides cutting out different foods. Rather than dieting, you can make healthier meals based on how you prepare your food, where your food comes from, and more. Allow us to teach you a few ways to improve your meals for better health.

High Fiber and Starchy Carbohydrates

A good place to start is by basing your meals around high-fiber and starchy carbohydrates. Ideally, starchy carbs should make up about a third of your diet, which is an easy goal when you realize this includes foods like potatoes, pasta, rice, and bread.

For the best results, you’ll want to pick whole-grain varieties of pasta or bread because they contain more fiber and will help you feel full and satisfied for much longer. Many people fear carbohydrates because they think they make you overweight, but a healthy dose of carbs is important for keeping your body fueled and energetic. However, the only caveat is that you may start gaining weight if you eat too many carbohydrates. For a healthy dose of starchy carbohydrates, you should include one starchy food in each meal.

The Source of Your Food for Better Health

A good way to improve your meals for better health while reducing any disturbances to your lifestyle is by paying attention to where your food comes from. For example, take note of how the beef you buy was raised. Grass-fed beef is often more beneficial than grain-fed beef because it’s lower in fats and contains fatty acids that have multiple health benefits. Taking a closer look at where your food comes from can help you make healthier choices while still allowing you and your family to enjoy the same foods they always have.

RELATED: What Are the Most Delicious Whole Grains

Understanding Fats

Many people misunderstand the necessity of fat in a diet. It’s not unreasonable to believe that “fats” are linked to, well, getting fat. However, fats can be incredibly healthy, provided you know what fats to look for. Saturated fats, in particular, are the ones you want to avoid or limit your intake of. Unsaturated fats, on the other hand, can provide benefits like lowering risks of heart disease, cholesterol, and even blood pressure. While it may seem like splitting hairs at first, understanding the difference between the fats in your foods can be monumental for improving your health.