Selecting Healthy Food For Your Diet

We should all eat healthy foods, but sometimes it can be hard. To eat healthy, you must first choose the right food to eat. Eating healthy is all about what you put into your body, which makes the choices critical to your results.

Eating Vegetables

It should be varied, as you should eat 2 1/2 cups of them each day. Eating dark vegetables, such as broccoli and spinach should be what you eat most. Carrots and sweet potatoes are great for you also. Try to eat more dry beans like pinto beans, kidney beans and even peas.

Eating Grains

You should eat approximately 6 ounces of grains a day. You should eat 3 ounces of whole grain cereals, rice, breads, or pasta. Ounce of grains is contained in a single slice of bread, or bowl of cereal.

Eating Fruits

Fruit is a very important part of your diet. You should eat at least 2 cups per day. Eat a variety of fruits such as fresh, dried canned, or even canned fruit. Drinking fruit juice is great for you also, but you should drink fruit juice in moderation.

Drinking Milk

Milk is highly calcium rich. Adults should drink up to 3 cups per day. Children should drink around 3 cups per day. When you choose milk products or yogurt, low fat products should be what you choose. If you don't like milk or can't drink it, you can choose lactose free products. You can find other sources of calcium such as fortified
foods and drinks.

Eating beans and meats

5 ounces of beans and meats everyday is what you should aim to achieve. When you eat meat it is recommended bake it, broil it, or grill it, as this will stop extra fat from adding to the equation. Also vary your protein as well, with more chicken, fish, beans, and nuts.

While cooking food, limit the amount of solid fats such as butter, margarine, and lard. While these foods will add flavor to your meals, they will also raise your cholesterol.

To help contain saturated fat, trans fat, and your sodium low, you should read the nutrition labels on the food you purchase. These labels are found on the food package and they will explain to you the information you need to know about the food you are buying.

So if you pick your foods wisely and watch what you eat, you'll help control your lifestyle. Exercise is great for you, and it goes along perfect with eating healthy. No matter how old you are, eating healthy will help your active lifestyle for many years and increase your health in the long run.