Have you ever wondered what exactly constitutes a healthy diet? Messages about healthy eating have been around for decades. Dieticians and health professionals have been promoting a consistent message about the types of food we should consume more of, or not.
Recommend guidelines for a
healthy lifestyle:
- Eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Choose lots of fruits, vegetables and grains.
- Choose a diet low in fat, especially saturated fat and cholesterol.
- Use sugars only in moderation.
- Exercise regularly.
- If you smoke, do so as infrequently as possible, and eventually quit.
- If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation.
A balanced diet is essential to good health. Every diet should include proteins, carbohydrates (sugars and starches), fats, vitamins and minerals. Your body needs a regular supply of these nutrients to grow, to replace worn out tissues, and to provide energy. Remember that balance, variety and moderation are key to maintaining good health.
