What is Well-Balanced Eating?
If you read up on nutrition news, there are many contradicting reports and articles you may find on what is a healthful "diet". With this in mind, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Health and Human Services have incorporated reliable studies into the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. These are seven sensible suggestions for people who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Eat a variety of food.
- Balance the food you eat with physical activity.
- Choose a diet with plenty of grain products, vegetables and fruits.
- Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol.
- Choose a diet moderate in sugars.
- Choose a diet moderate in salt and sodium.
- If you drink alcholic beverages, do so in moderation.
How you view the food you eat can play a key role in your success in meeting nutritional goals. Think of your meals and snacks together in the daily total rather than separately. You can splurge a little at one meal but cut back to the basics later for a nutritionally balanced diet. Of course, your goals will help determine which are the best choices of foods to meet your individual needs. Remember balance, variety and moderation are the key words.