Healthy Eating and Living

A well-balanced eating plan and regular physical activity are definitely the building blocks of excellent health. Poor dietary habits as well as physical inactivity may result in overweight and associated health conditions. When you eat right and being active, chances are you’ll reach or maintain a healthy weight. You may even improve your physical health, mental well-being, as well as set a good example for other individuals.

 What is a Healthy Eating Plan?

A healthy eating plan:

Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products. Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. Is low in saturated fats, trans fats.

 Some tips for Healthy Eating

Eat breakfast every day. People who eat breakfast are less likely to overeat later in the day. Breakfast also gives you energy and helps you get your day off to a healthy start. Choose whole grains more often. Try whole-wheat breads and pastas, oatmeal, brown rice, or bulgur. Select a mix of colorful vegetables each day. Vegetables of different colors provide different nutrients. Choose dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, collards, and mustard greens, and reds and oranges such as carrots, sweet potatoes, red peppers, and tomatoes.

Choose fresh, canned, or frozen fruit more often than fruit juice. Fruit juice has little or no fiber, and the calories may be high. Fresh, canned, or frozen fruit is often better for you. If you eat canned fruit, opt for fruit packed in water rather than syrup. Use fats and oils sparingly.

Olive, canola, and peanut oils, avocados, nuts and nut butters, olives, and fish provide heart-healthy fat as well as vitamins and minerals. Eat sweets sparingly. 

Limit foods and beverages that are high in added sugars. Eat three meals every day. If you skip meals or replace a meal with a snack, you might overeat later on. Have low-fat, low-sugar snacks on hand. Whether you are at home, at work, or on the go, healthy snacks may help to combat hunger and prevent overeating.