There is lots of talk about healthy eating but what does it really mean in practice?
Healthy eating means a great deal of important things in terms of your health. It is not just about the nutritional side of food but also takes into account the element of enjoying the experience of eating.
To begin with, eating healthy is about enjoying the food you eat. This is especially important for those who have children.
Teaching them to enjoy and appreciate food from the very beginning can develop a lifelong attitude towards food and eating that is positive.
To cultivate your children’s interest and enjoyment of food, take them grocery shopping with you and allow them to have a hand in meal preparation. Once they get old enough, let them do a little of the cooking to help out.
Healthy Eating Is All About A Balanced Diet
Eating a balanced diet is an important aspect of eating healthy. The body is not picky about the foods you provide it with as long as it is getting all of the nutrients that it requires. Do this by eating a selection of different foods that are healthy. Alternate back and forth to keep your meals as interesting as possible.
Fruits and vegetables are an important aspect of eating a healthy diet every day. Eat five or more servings on a daily basis. Fresh produce is the best but raw, steamed, frozen and dried will still fit the bill as well. It is best to avoid canned produce if possible. The fruits contain too much sugar and the vegetables, too much salt.
Healthy Eating For Children Is Starchy Foods Which Equals Energy
If you have children then you need to provide them with starchy foods for energy. In fact 1/3 of a child’s diet should be made up of starchy foods. Feed your children at least one source of starch with every meal. Starchy foods include bread, cereal, rice, pasta, potatoes and other lesser known foods such as couscous and plantains.
Healthy Eating Includes Lean Meats And Dairy Products
Eating healthy means eating moderate portions of such foods as lean meats, seafood, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and products made of soy. At least one of these types of foods should be consumed at every meal. These provide protein that you need for good health.
Milk and dairy products need to be consumed in moderate amounts. These are important because they provide an abundance of calcium. On the downside, dairy products tend to be high in fat and therefore it is important that you buy low fat or non-fat products. These include such things as milk, cheese and yogurt.
Cut Back On Fats, Sugar And Salt
Speaking of fat, healthy eating is about eating as little fat as possible. Choose low fat options when it comes to your food choices. Limit your intake of fried foods, cakes, pies, pastries, chocolate desserts, mayonnaise, oils, salad dressings and other spreads. Bake or grill your food as opposed to frying. This contributes to healthy eating overall.
It is important to limit your consumption of sugar. Sugar is something that is in so many foods and beverages and consuming too much can happen all too easily. In particular, make sure your children eat as few snacks and drinks as possible that contain a plentiful amount of sugar.
Do not overdo the sweets your children eat and don’t allow them to consume soft drinks. Too much sugar can fill your children up and it can also damage their teeth.
In the same way, too much salt is bad for you and your children. Avoid foods that are high in sodium which includes many processed foods. To do this always read the labels of foods before you buy them.
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