healthy eating tips

Your health today is a result, in part, of the eating and lifestyle habits you've followed over your lifetime. Instead of thinking about "diet," begin to focus on nutrition and the practice of eating real foods in realistic, enjoyable portions. In fact, the true definition of diet should imply health, vitality and nutrition, while the key to incorporating healthy eating habits is balance, variety and moderation.

Smart Nutrition + Active Lifestyle = A Healthier You.

Finding time to eat right and exercise can be a struggle, but by following these simple steps you can start on the path to a healthier you:

• Think of good nutrition over the course of the day, not every single meal. Or even, think of good nutrition and balance over the course of a week!
• Eat foods from all the food groups, including fruits and vegetables; nonfat and low-fat dairy products; whole-grain breads, cereals, pasta, beans and lean meats. By doing so, you may reduce your dietary risks for some chronic diseases. Also, choose nutrient-dense foods more often, like fruits, vegetables, cheese and yogurt.
• Add more physical activity to your daily routine...take the stairs, walk the dog, use any excuse to exercise. Walking and other weight-bearing exercises are important for bone health. Plus, a reasonable amount of calories paired with exercise is the key to successful weight management.
• Eat regular meals. It can help satisfy your appetite, which may help prevent overeating later in the day. Also, try to find time for breakfast every day. Morning fuel will supply your brain with energy to think and learn!
• Strive for 5: It's best to eat a minimum of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily. And remember the rainbow rule - by choosing brightly coloured fruits and vegetables, you may increase the amounts of vitamins A and C.
• Establish good eating habits at young ages. It can help your children increase the likelihood of eating better throughout life. Plus, remember that you are much more likely to be successful in improving your and your family's eating habits if you don't deprive anybody of the foods they love. So give them their favourites, but in moderation.
• It's okay to have cookies, pizza, brownies and candy bars - it's all about how much and how often! Watch portion size. It's in fact less about what you eat and more about how much you eat (enjoy it all...in moderation). Be sure to balance these foods with a variety of nutritious foods, keeping the following guidelines in mind:
• Emphasize products made from whole grains in your diet.
• Consume at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day, the more variety of color the better.
• Include 2 to 3 servings of dairy to your diet each day.