A healthy, balanced daily food diet is essential for good health and to maintain a healthy weight. Which foods to eat, and the proper proportions, is not common knowledge for everyone, making it harder to stay healthy and control your weight. Include foods from each of the food groups as part of your daily diet.
Breakfast
Making time for breakfast can be difficult, particularly if you're rushing off to work or getting the kids off to school. Starting the day with a healthy breakfast can stop you from eating unhealthy snacks mid-morning, or reaching for the cookies. Cereals and skim milk is the easiest breakfast, but can also be dull and unappetizing. Liven it up with a handful of fruit or chopped nuts, the Health Breakfast Ideas website suggests, or try oatmeal with added fruit. English muffins are easy to serve with scrambled egg or cheese.
Lunch
You may often miss lunch due to your busy lifestyle; this, in turn, leads to unhealthy snacking later in the day. Whether you are at home or at school or work, a nutritious lunch will keep your energy levels high, the Helpguide website explains. Sandwiches are the easy option and are convenient for packed lunches. Use whole grain bread filled with salads, lean meats or cheese with mustard or pickle to liven it up. Pita bread is an alternative to bread, and can be filled with vegetables, meats and salads. Soup is filling and comforting on a cold day, served with a warm, crusty roll.
Dinner
Dinner is often the main meal of the day, but can also the time when, tired at the end of long day, you may be tempted to opt for fast food or junk food. Planning and preparation can help you to organize healthy meals in the evening, Helpguide advises. Prepare vegetables and store them in the refrigerator or freezer, to use on the day you need them. Enlist help from the rest of the family when cooking a meal. You can make quiche or lasagna in advance, then serve them with vegetables or a green salad. Burgers, curry and Mexican chili can be made with a vegetarian alternative instead of the traditional recipes, then served with whole-grain rice.
Snacks
If you have missed a meal during the day, it is easy to snack on chocolate, candy or cookies. A handful of unsalted nuts or chopped fruit are healthy alternatives. Vegetable sticks dipped in hummus is filling and healthy. Low-fat, plain yogurt is tasty with added fruit or a spoonful of honey.
Alternative Diets
People may follow a variety of diets, due to health, religious or personal beliefs. Vegetarian diets, cultural diets and others can be restrictive. With a little advance planning and research, you can enjoy a healthy daily diet. Be aware that not eating foods from all the food groups can cause deficiencies and health problems, so consult your doctor before beginning any new diet.
Member Comments