| From the Nutritional Pyramid to eat all of your | | | | from each food group that will keep you healthy. |
| vegetables, your doctor, school health classes and | | | | You will also receive advice on how to couple |
| your mother have stressed healthy eating habits. | | | | healthy eating habits with an acceptable amount |
| The concept of eating healthy foods has been | | | | of physical activity. The goal is to achieve an |
| promoted ever since we learned that what we | | | | overall increase in health through a better balance |
| eat has a direct effect on our health. | | | | of nutrition, calories and exercise. |
| Healthy eating is a habit of selecting the quantity | | | | Living a healthy life through the foods we eat |
| and quality of foods that will either improve or | | | | means taking into account all of the factors that |
| maintain a good level of health. Usually, this means | | | | come with various eating habits. This includes the |
| following the guidelines set by those who know | | | | total amount of calorie consumption throughout |
| the best, including scientific researchers, doctors, | | | | the day. Healthy eating deals with the balance of |
| and nutritionists. | | | | important nutrients, such as carbohydrates, |
| Health professionals set nutritional | | | | proteins and fats. For example, there are some |
| recommendations based on the ingredients and | | | | carbohydrates considered healthier than others. |
| contents of food items. How fast and efficiently | | | | Knowing how to separate good carbs from bad |
| the body breaks down a food item and uses it | | | | carbs contributes to nourishing eating habits that |
| for energy influences the way certain eating | | | | last a lifetime. |
| habits are viewed. For example, eating foods filled | | | | To improve your health, one should consume |
| with sugar will not do much for maintaining a | | | | more nutritious foods, such as brown rice and |
| healthy body. The empty calories that sweets | | | | green vegetables, while at the same time, |
| have actually aid in weight gain and increased | | | | decreasing the consumption of candy bars, fried |
| glucose levels, which affect a variety of health | | | | foods and soda. Foods rich in vitamins contribute |
| concerns, such as diabetes. | | | | to healthy eating practices. You should also know |
| The concept of healthy eating has changed over | | | | that the way you prepare your food also has an |
| the years. This can be seen through the shift in | | | | influence on your health. For example, fruits and |
| the commonly used Nutritional Pyramid. In the | | | | vegetables retain more vitamins and nutrients |
| past, the Pyramid gave daily recommendations on | | | | when eaten raw, rather than boiled, steamed or |
| how many servings from each food group was | | | | cooked in the microwave. Avoiding foods with a |
| needed to achieve healthy eating habits. Everyone | | | | high concentration of dyes, artificial sweeteners |
| was expected to follow the same | | | | and preservatives is also helpful. |
| recommendations. Today, these guidelines are | | | | For more information, there are numerous |
| now based on the differences that individuals | | | | resources that offer a list of healthy foods and |
| have. The new serving suggestions now take into | | | | advice for healthy eating practices. These |
| account factors such as weight, height, level of | | | | references may be found on the Internet, in the |
| physical activity, age and gender. | | | | local bookstore, at the library and throughout your |
| By entering your information on the | | | | doctors office. Learning how to eat right will not |
| MyPyramid.gov website, you will receive a | | | | only boost your overall health, but also lead to |
| personalized plan suggesting the best selections | | | | securing a longer, more productive life. |