HEALTHY EATING GUIDE - HEALTHY LIVING ARTICLES
It is tempting to describe individual foods as "good or bad"; it’s straightforward
and simple. Yet, while some foods are more nutritious than others, labeling foods
as simply “good” or “bad” may lead to restrictive eating or negative attitudes about
food.
A more healthful approach to eating is one that focuses on the positive components
of food and the importance of eating a balanced and sensible diet. A balanced diet
means choosing a variety of nutrient-rich foods as the foundation of what you eat.
Making your calories count with this Healthy Eating Guide
"Healthy” foods are those that are nutrient-rich—or have a large amount of
key nutrients, like vitamins and minerals, for their calories.
Nutrients--such as vitamins A, C and E, zinc, calcium, complex carbohydrates, potassium,
iron, fiber, B-vitamins and protein—are needed at all ages to promote healthy
growth, fuel activity and prevent chronic diseases.
Healthy Eating Guide - Some Great Food Choices
As people watch calories to reduce their waistlines, it's critical to make each
calorie count by selecting foods with more essential nutrients in fewer calories.
To obtain these important nutrients, nutrient-rich foods are the ideal choices,
including:
- Low-fat and fat-free dairy
- Whole grains
- Colorful fruits and vegetables
- Milk with lunch or dinner, instead of soda or sugar-sweetened beverages
- Lean meats, seafood, eggs, beans and nuts
The more nutrients you can include in your diet from these foods, the more balanced
and healthy your overall diet will be.
What if your favorite foods are not nutrient-rich? You don't have to entirely give
up your favorite foods to eat a healthy diet with our healthy eating guidelines.
If your core choices are nutrient-rich, you can round out the rest of your diet
with less nutrient-rich foods as calories and exercise levels permit.
Nutrient-rich choices
A focus on nutrient-rich, or nutrient-dense, food choices provides positive messages
of what people can eat, not what is forbidden. These healthy eating guidelines
will help you!
Positive attitudes about food that take into account personal tastes and the enjoyment
of food will encourage sensible eating patterns that can be maintained long term—and
that is the best strategy for maintaining a healthy weight and lifelong good health.
We hope this Healthy Eating Guide have been helpful!
|