Wednesday, October 26, 2011

8.Eating Healthy Foods?

8.Eating Healthy Foods? 
Many people forget the nutritional value of foods in meal planning. After all, it's much easier to stop only at your favorite fast food on the way back to work.



         Everyone knows that they should eat healthier foods, but some people are not quite sure where to start. Here are some things to look for when trying to plan healthier meals.


Are you eating lots of fruits and vegetables? Most of us do not eat sufficient quantities to stay healthy. Experts recommend that people eat 5 to 9 servings every day. This adds up to about 2 cups of fruit and 2 1 / 2 cups of vegetables. Choose a variety of vegetables and fruits in different colors. Dark green vegetables like spinach, for example, contain more than nutritients colored vegetables.


Are you eating grains and cereals? In addition, well-known benefits of dietary fiber, grains and cereals provide many important nutrients for health. Wholegrain breads and cereals are preferred over refined white bread and rice.


     Are you eating a wide variety of foods? They say variety is the spice of life. In fact, the basis of a healthy diet. Our body needs foods from all groups to operate at full capacity. These food groups consist of grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, beans, meat and nuts. Sorry ... candy is not a food group.


  Eat breakfast every day? Yes, it's true: Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Eat a good breakfast will give you the energy needed to make it through the morning and helps to eliminate the high-fat splurges.


   Drink plenty of water? Soda and coffee may be liquid, but not replace the water that your body needs. We need at least 16 ounces of water a day to keep ourselves hydrated and flush impurities that may have accumulated in our digestive system.


   The amount of fat you eat? Dietary fat is our enemy. While our body needs a certain amount of fat, most people consume 200 to 300 per cent more than necessary. It's a scary thought! So when you make your food choices, read the labels to see the amount of fat contained in food. Vegetables and fruits are naturally low in fat than meat.


How much salt, sugar and alcohol, do you eat? Again, moderation is key. Serious problems can occur when you overdo. Salt can cause fluid retention, weight gain and heart problems. Sweet, when can be consumed in large quantities over a long period contributes to diabetes. And excessive consumption of alcohol is bad for the kidneys.


Your body will tell you, when you can not (or if you get too much), and a certain type of food. If you're gaining weight, you know that you are eating or portions that are too large, or eating foods high in fat. Fatigue can mean that you do not get the nutrients necessary to feed your body to work.


Eating healthy foods is not as difficult as it sounds. In a nutshell: drink more water, eat less fat and sugar, and eat more fruits, vegetables and cereals.