Updated Information for Healthy Eating

Healthy eating continues to be a challenge for many Americans despite the availability of information on the subject. Keeping informed and updated on new research about healthy choices provides us with better ways to maintain our health.

Harvard School of Public Health suggests eight basic tips for eating right. Choose only good carbs. Fish, poultry, nuts and beans are the best protein choices. Choose healthy fats and avoid trans fat. Plan a fiber-filled diet of whole grains including fibrous fruits and vegetables. Eat more fruits and vegetables that are dark green, orange and red. Drink milk and other foods that are a good source of calcium. Moderate alcohol consumption can be healthy for some. Take a daily multivitamin and some extra Vitamin D.

Johns Hopkins School of Medicine promotes the new food pyramid called My Pyramid which was updated by the United States Department of Agriculture in 2005. This food pyramid is designed to give more personalized information by allowing individuals to make a customized plan that fits their specific needs. This new pyramid assumes that one uses no foods with added sugars, sweeteners and no saturated or trans fats for the major part of one's daily diet. It suggests that foods high in fat, sugar and calories are to be indulged in only occasionally.

The Mayo Clinic recognizes that sticking to a diet is a challenge. They suggest that new cooking ideas incorporating flavorful food combinations and ingredients can be an aide in preventing diet disinterest and boredom. The Mayo Clinic has twenty ideas to keep us on our healthy eating plans. These ideas emphasize the importance of breakfast, stocking your refrigerator with healthy snacks, using herbs and seasonings to enhance flavor and exploring foods from many world cuisines that are tasty and healthy.

Better food choices result in improved weight control. Regular exercise continues to be a key component for staying healthy.