Eating Healthy for Life

Many people have no concept of what a healthy diet would look like. They have never acquired the habit of eating healthy everyday, so they don’t even know where to start. Their lives are so busy that they often just grab the fastest and easiest meals they can find. Needless to say, grabbing a Big Mac at the corner fast food joint isn’t the best way to acquire the habit of eating healthy everyday.

What so many people don’t realize is that they would actually feel healthier, feel less stress, have more energy, and accomplish more by simply changing their diet. They would also enjoy fewer illnesses and medical bills as a bonus.  It is  important to remember that a sound diet is the cornerstone for having good health and well being. Eating healthy everyday is the place to start.

The foods we eat in our diets is there to provide us with energy in order to keep us active throughout the day.  Plus they will also provide us with the nutrients that we need in order to maintain our health as well as being a source of enjoyment.  In fact our diets can help to enhance the quality of the life we lead both now and in the future.

But just what actually makes up a healthy diet that we can eat everyday?

1.  Grain Products

We should eat between 5 to 12 servings of grain products each day and it is better if you choose to have whole grain or grain enriched products more often in your diet. Below are some examples of what a serving of grain products can be made from.

1 slice of whole grain or whole wheat bread
3/4 Cup (175ml) Hot Cereal (oatmeal is a good example)

2.  Vegetables and Fruits

You should be eating 5 to 10 portions of fruits and vegetables every day. Dark green and orange fruits and vegetables are especially packed with nutrients that you need. Fruits and vegetables are the backbone of any healthy diet. A big plus is that they are filling and can help you lose weight if you are eating enough portions. Here are some examples of what constitutes 1 serving of either fruit or vegetables in a healthy diet:

1 medium sized vegetable or fruit
1/2 Cup (125ml) Fresh, Frozen or Canned Vegetables or Fruit
3.  Milk Products

Adults should have between 2 to 4 servings each day, while women who are pregnant or breast feeding should have 3 to 4  servings.  It is especially important for children to have adequate servings of milk. Dairy products are filled with calcium, which are exactly what growing children need to produce healthy bones. It is better if you choose to use low fat or skim milk products more often.  An example of a good serving of milk products is as follows:

1 cup (250ml) 1-2% milk
2 Slices (50g) of cheese
3/4 Cup (175ml) of Yogurt
4.  Meat and Alternatives

This includes lean meats, poultry and fish as well as dried peas, beans and lentils. You should try to eat between 2 and 3 servings each day.  A example of a good serving of one of these foods is as follows:

2 to 3oz’s (50-100g) meat, fish or poultry
1/3-2/3 Can (50-100g) Canned Fish (tuna or sardines)
2 tbsp (30ml) Peanut Butter

If you are getting at least your minimum serving of each of these food groups, then you will be eating healthy everyday and maximizing your health and energy levels. You might also find that you feel less stressed out and lose weight as well.