Eating a Balanced Diet

Eating a Balanced Diet

Maintaining a balanced diet is vital for good health. Consuming a variety of nutritious foods in moderation can enhance your wellbeing and prevent disease. Here are some tips for eating a balanced diet:

Eat the rainbow - Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables of different colors to get a mix of valuable vitamins and minerals. Dark greens, oranges, reds and purples are great choices.

Choose whole grains - Pick whole grain bread, cereal, pasta and brown rice over refined, white varieties for more fiber and nutrients.

Add lean protein - Incorporate plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, nuts as well as lean meats, fish and poultry for healthy protein sources.

Don't forget dairy - Low-fat or fat-free milk, yogurt and cheese provide calcium for strong bones and vitamin D.

Use healthy fats - Cook with olive, canola or avocado oil instead of butter and consume nuts, seeds and fatty fish high in omega-3s.

Limit sugar and salt - Avoid added sugars in drinks and sweets. Also limit sodium from packaged and processed foods.

Drink water - Stay well hydrated, especially between meals. Add slices of lemon, lime, cucumber or mint to water for flavor.

Read labels - Check the ingredient and nutrition labels to pick products that are natural, low in sugar and high in nutrients you need.

Making balanced choices, watching portions and avoiding processed junk will ensure you get all the macro- and micronutrients your body requires each day. Consult a dietician if you need help balancing your personalized nutrition needs.