Healthy Eating into your Daily Routine
Eating right doesn’t have to be complicated, simply begin to incorporate a healthy eating plan into your daily routine. These recommendations from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans can help get you started:
- Emphasize fruit, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free milk and milk products.
- Include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts.
- Make sure your diet is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium) and added sugars.
Make
Your Calories Count
Think nutrient-rich rather than “good” or “bad” foods. The majority of your
food choices should be packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other
nutrients, and lower in calories. Making smart food choices can help you stay
healthy, manage your weight and be physically active.
Focus
on Variety
Eat a variety of foods from all the food groups to get the nutrients your body
needs. Fruits and vegetables can be fresh, frozen or canned. Eat more dark
green vegetables such as leafy greens and broccoli and orange vegetables
including carrots and sweet potatoes. Vary your protein choices with more fish,
beans and peas. Eat at least three ounces of whole-grain cereals, breads,
crackers, rice or pasta every day.
Know
Your Fats
Look for foods low in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol to help reduce
your risk of heart disease. Most of the fats you eat should be monounsaturated
and polyunsaturated fats. Check the Nutrition Facts panel on food labels for
total fat and saturated fat.
