Healthy Food Choices Made Easy

By Thong M. Dao

Eating healthy is something we all would like to do, though it can be hard. Healthy eating starts with healthy food choices. Eating healthy is all about a healthy eating menu and healthy food meals, which makes the choices very crucial to our results.

This list will make this task a breeze.

1. Grains. 6 ounces of grains should be consumed per day. Perhaps you're wondering what healthy food grains are, we have rice, breads and the best of all, whole grain cereal.

2. Vegetables. Remember that vegetables are a must-have. Consume approximately 2 cups and a half daily. Spinach, broccoli and collar greens are highly ranking. Just remember the darker, the better. Beans, like baby Lima or even peas, are on this list.

3. Fruits. 2 cups daily will do just fine. Fruit juice is great, but keep it to a limit. Fresh fruits are always the best choice.

4. Milk. Milk is our calcium rich friend. 3 cups is the ideal goal for adults and 2 cups for kids. When choosing milk products or yogurt, always go for fat-free or low-fat. Those who don't like milk or can't have it, should opt for lactose-free products or other sources of calcium such as fortified foods and beverages.

5. Meat. Broiling, baking or grilling is the key to a healthy meal plan. Select lean protein meats like chicken, turkey and fish, to name a few. 5 ounces a day is enough.

When cooking food, don't forget to limit solid fats such as butter, margarine, shortening, and lard. These may add flavor to our dishes but they can also raise our cholesterol as well. Therefore, it's advisable to limit these foods and any foods that contain them.

To help keep our saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium intake low, we have to check the nutrition facts label. This label can be found on the food package and will tell us all the information we need to know about the food item.

Healthy food meals, along with exercise, will develop your healthy lifestyle. That's exactly what your body needs. So before you pick up that candy or fried foods, ask yourself: "Is this a healthy food choice? - 30414

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