5. Eat: Lean Sources of Protein
Including protein in your diet not only provides the critical building blocks for many processes in your body, but can also help ensure that you avoid spikes and dips in your energy level throughout the day.
Quality sources of lean protein to include in your diet are poultry, fish, beans and lentils, nuts and seeds, and soy products.
Meat provides an easily absorbed form of iron, although Hultin notes that you can get enough iron in your diet from other sources, including plants. “One of the biggest challenges with red meat, from a health standpoint, is saturated fat,” she says.
6. Avoid: Fatty or Processed Meats
Not only do fatty or processed forms of meat provide potentially unhealthy levels of saturated fat, they also contain less protein and are often high in sodium. Too much saturated fat and salt, Hultin notes, can be a concern for your heart health. So be sure to stay away from things like bacon, sausage, and deli meats.