Along with exercise, maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet is vital for everyone in all stages of life. Unfortunately, it takes time and discipline. But the benefits include greater energy; maintained or improved health; stronger immune system; longer life expectancy; reduced risk of diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and cancer; and improved oral health. With rising unemployment and increased healthcare costs, it pays to stay healthy.

So, what are the components of a healthy diet? The USDA's MyPyramid (see MyPyramid.gov) outlines in an easy-to- understand way what makes up a healthy diet. It offers helpful tips and lists the portions we should eat of each of five food groups: grains, vegetables, fruits, milk, meat and beans.

Basically, the average person's daily diet should include 6 ounces of grain (at least half should be whole-grain), 2 1/2 cups of vegetables, 2 cups of fruit, 3 cups of calcium-rich foods, and 5 1/2 ounces of meat and beans. Fats, sugars, and salt should be limited. That's why it's important to check the Nutrition Facts labels on the foods we buy so we can keep saturated fats, trans fat, and sodium low. Healthy fats include soy oil, avocados, almonds, sunflower seeds, and peanut butter.

Other healthy eating tips: Eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, avoid preprocessed meals, limit sweetened drinks, avoid caffeine and alcohol, and drink lots of water.

©Medical Mile LLC
www.medicalmile.com

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