It is not difficult for you to maintain a healthy diet. The key is to find foods you love that are also good for your health. Use the United States Department of Agriculture's food pyramid as a guide for what you should eat each day. Experiment with foods from each group to see what you like. Make over your favorite recipes with healthier ingredients, and you will be on your way to developing a diet that will lead to a healthier lifestyle.
Fruits
Fruit is an essential part of an easy diet. Fruit has a natural sweetness that will curb your sweet tooth while providing you with vitamins, antioxidants and fiber. Start your day with a fruit smoothie, or add some berries to oatmeal or a low-sugar cereal. Keep fruit handy for a healthy snack throughout the day. To get the recommended 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fruit daily, the USDA recommends snacking on whole fruit instead of drinking fruit juice. The fiber in the fruit will satisfy you more than juice for the same or fewer calories. You can even increase flavor in a healthy dinner by adding fruit to a salad or topping chicken or fish with a fruit-based salsa.
Vegetables
The USDA suggests that adults consume 2 1/2 to 3 cups of vegetables each day. Vegetables are a low-calorie way to add bulk to your diet. Try cooking some vegetable-based meals a few times per week. Add a side salad to lunch or dinner, and make sure that you serve each meal with a vegetable. If you don't find vegetables appealing, try sneaking them into some of your favorite dishes.
Also, experiment with something new. You may not love broccoli, but the produce section is filled with veggies in all colors, textures and flavors. You will be sure to find something that appeals to you.
Whole Grains
Whole grains are found in wheat, oats, brown rice and popcorn. The USDA recommends five to eight servings of total grains per day, with at least half coming from whole grains. These foods contain a lot of fiber, which helps to keep you full. Whole grain foods are healthier alternatives to their refined counterparts.
Try substituting whole wheat noodles in pasta dishes and serve brown rice instead of white rice. A breakfast of oatmeal with fresh fruit will keep you satisfied much longer than a bowl of sugary cereal.
Meat/Beans
Lean proteins include chicken, fish and lean beef. These foods are also rich in B vitamins and vitamin E. The USDA recommends 5 1/2 to 6 oz. daily. Add some lean protein to a salad for a filling meal. This is especially helpful if you are accustomed to eating fattier meats. Try baking, broiling or grilling your protein for less fat and calories. Also, trim off visible fat before cooking your food.
If you are vegetarian, get your protein from beans, eggs and nuts. Beans and legumes are rich in soluble fiber, which is good for the heart. Even if you are not vegetarian, try substituting beans for a meat dish a few times per week.
Dairy
The USDA advises adults to consume about 3 cups of low-fat dairy products per day. Dairy products are high in calcium, potassium and vitamin D to keep the bones and teeth healthy. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy to avoid the saturated fat present in full-fat products. If you drink whole milk or use full-fat cheese, transition gradually to low-fat. The American Heart Association recommends using low-fat or fat-free milk in recipes calling for whole milk.
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