What Are The Benefits Of The Dash Diet? Here is all the important information!

The Dash Diet, which is very similar to the Mediterranean diet, is a wonderful way to lower hypertension and lose weight at the same time! Sources also tell us that it can help cure depression and greatly reduce the risk of diabetes. All of this already sounds incredible.

Okay, we understand that it’s super healthy and has life-changing benefits. So what’s the catch? There has to be one. Well, there isn’t! You heard the man! The only thing is that you won’t lose fat very quickly. But let’s be honest, losing weight quickly is never sustainable… Losing weight gradually and then keeping it off is the way to go!

Dash diet benefits

We’ve already told you about the benefits of the Dash diet. However, there are many more. By following this diet, you will feel an amazing change not only in your body but also in your mind! The Dash diet also has an incredible effect: it lowers blood sugar! The main element that embodies this lifestyle (and yes, eating right is not a short-term thing just to lose a few pounds) is to eat normal-sized portions of healthy foods.

That sounds very easy, doesn’t it? That’s because it is! For example, you can eat grains, fruits, vegetables, and even sweets! Some nights you can have wine, but no more than two servings! The great thing is that it doesn’t require you to stop eating. It allows you to explore healthier recipes!

List of allowed foods

Here is a suggested list of the healthiest foods for the Dash diet! This is just one part! This is just a sample shopping list, so you can get an idea of what to expect when you start this diet.

Vegetables:

• Broccoli
• Cucumber
• Carrots
• Celery
• Sweet potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Brussels sprouts 

fruits :

• Apples
• Apricots
• Bananas
• Clementines
• Strawberries
• Raspberries
• Pears
• Avocados
• Raisins
• Melons

Nuts and seeds :

• Almonds
• Nuts
• Pumpkin seeds
• Sunflower seeds
• Pistachios

Cereals :

• Whole wheat pasta
• Gluten-free pasta
• Oatmeal
• Brown rice
• Quinoa
• Whole wheat bread
• Pretzels
• Whole wheat tortillas

Lean meats:

• Fish
• Shrimp
• Pork Chops
• Skinless chicken breasts
• Turkey

Dairy products :

• Cheese
• Eggs
• Low-fat yogurt
• Milk

Sweets:

• Raw Honey
• Maple syrup
• Jelly

Dash menu

Here’s a sample of one day’s Dash Diet menu:

Breakfast (266 calories)

• 1 slice of whole-grain bread, toasted
• 1 egg, cooked in 1/4 teaspoon olive oil
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• 2 tablespoons pico de gallo or salsa
• Top the bread with egg, salt, and pepper.
• 1 medium banana
• Morning snack (102 calories)
• 1 pear, sliced and topped with cinnamon.

Lunch (325 calories)

• 1 serving of vegetarian sandwich with hummus
• Afternoon snack (48 calories)
• 3/4 cup of raspberries

Lunch (450 calories)

• 1 serving of salmon with lemon and herbs

Daily totals: 1,192 calories, 60 g protein, 161 g carbohydrates, 37 g fiber, 40 g fat, 1,438 mg sodium.

Bonus: menu for the second day of the diet

Breakfast (258 calories)

Fig and honey yogurt

• 2/3 cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt
• 5 dried figs, chopped
• 2 teaspoons chia seeds
• 1 1/2 teaspoons honey
• Top yogurt with figs, chia seeds, and honey.
• Morning snack (52 calories)
• 1/2 cup of grapes

Breakfast (350 calories)

White bean and avocado salad

• 2 cups mixed greens
• 3/4 cup chopped vegetables, such as cucumbers and cherry tomatoes
• 1/3 cup canned white beans, rinsed
• 1/2 avocado, diced
• 2 tbsp. all-purpose dressing
• Top salad leaves with vegetables, beans, avocado, and dressing. Toss to combine.
• Afternoon snack (35 calories)
• 1 clementine

Lunch (489 calories)

• 1 serving cauliflower steak curry with red rice and tzatziki
• 1 serving of chocolate and nut butter bites, to be enjoyed after dinner.

Total for the day: 1,184 calories, 41 g protein, 155 g carbohydrates, 30 g fiber, 53 g fat, 818 mg sodium.

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