Variety the spice of life & your key to a healthy diet!
Zaak OConan
It has been said that variety is the spice of life, and that is
certainly true when trying to eat a healthy diet. No one likes
to eat the same thing day after day, and boredom is the enemy of
a healthy diet.
Fortunately for those trying to follow a healthy diet, there is
plenty of variety to be had in healthy foods. In addition to the
hundreds of varieties of fruits and vegetables available at the
average grocery store, there is a wide variety of beans, lentils,
nuts, meat, dairy products, fish and poultry. There is no need
for boredom to set in when pursuing a healthier lifestyle.’
The key to enjoying a variety of foods while eating healthy is to
plan meals carefully and be sure to use the many varieties of
foods that are available. Using a combination of fresh fruit,
vegetables, meats and whole grains, it is possible to create a
fresh, exciting and healthful meal every day of the week.
Nutritionists often stress the importance of a varied diet, both
for nutritional and psychological reasons. A varied diet is
essential for good health, since different types of foods contain
different types of nutrients. And following a varied diet is
important to your psychological well being as well, since feeling
deprived of your favorite foods can lead you to give up your
healthy lifestyle.
It is much better to continue eating the foods you like, but to
eat them in moderation. Instead of giving up that juicy bacon,
for instance, have it as an occasional treat, perhaps pairing it
with an egg white omelet instead of a plateful of scrambled eggs.
As with everything else in life, good nutrition is a tradeoff.
It is important for everyone to eat foods from the five major
food groups each and every day. The five food groups identified
by the USDA include grains, vegetables, fruits, milk and dairy
and meat and beans. Each of these food groups contains specific
nutrients, so it is important to eat a combination of these foods
to ensure proper levels of nutrition.
Of course simply choosing foods from the five food groups is not
enough. After all a meal from the five food groups could include
cake, candied yams, avocados, ice cream and bacon. Although all
five food groups are represented, no one would try to argue that
this is a healthy day’s menu. Choosing the best foods from within
each group, and eating the less healthy foods in moderation, is
the best way to ensure a healthy and varied diet.
For instance, choosing healthy, lean meats is a great way to get
the protein you need without consuming unnecessary fat and
calories. And removing fat and skin from chicken is a great way
to eliminate extra fat and calories.
When choosing breads and cereals, it is usually best to choose
those that carry the whole grain designation. Whole grains,
those that have not been overly refined, contain greater
nutritional qualities and fewer sugars.
In addition, many grains and cereals are fortified with
additional vitamins and minerals. While this vitamin
fortification is important, it should be seen as a bonus, not as
a substitute for a proper diet. Many foods are supplemented with
important nutrients such as calcium (essential for strong bones
and teeth) and folic acid (important in preventing birth
defects).
Substituting healthier foods for less healthy ones is a
cornerstone of a healthy diet. For instance, substituting lean
cuts of meat for fattier ones, and substituting skinless chicken
or turkey breast for less healthy drumsticks, is a great way to
maximize nutrition without sacrificing good taste.
No matter what your reason for following a healthy diet, or what
your ultimate fitness goals may be, you will find that a good
understanding of nutrition will form the basis of your healthy
diet. Understanding how the various food groups work together to
form a healthy diet will go a long way toward helping you meet
your ultimate fitness goals. Whether your goal is to run a
marathon, lose ten pounds or just feel better, knowledge is
power, and nutritional knowledge will power your diet for the
rest of your life.
Zaak O'Conan discovers and presents useful information on how to
enhance and/or repair your life, body and relationships. You'll
find his other articles on eating better and other ways how to
improve your life at
http://your-health-center.com
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