Eating healthy not only affects your health, but also how you look and feel. A healthy diet will give you energy, make your hair shiny, give you strong bones and help you maintain an ideal weight. Make better food choices with a healthy diet list. This does not mean you have to give up foods you love such as desserts --- just enjoy them in moderation. Making a healthy diet list will help you stay focused on eating a balanced diet. Consult your doctor before beginning any new diet.
Meat
Meat is a good source of protein. Protein is made up of 20 amino acids. Some of these amino acids are not made by the human body and are called essential amino acids. We need these essential amino acids in our diets, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Meat is a complete protein source that provides all the essential amino acids. Healthy meat diet choices include poultry, lean red meat and fish. Stay away from too much fatty red meat, because it contains saturated fat, which has been linked to elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein --- LDL, or "bad" --- cholesterol, which is a risk factor for heart disease. Some healthy choices for your list include turkey breast, skinless chicken breasts, lean lamb chops, top loin, sirloin and salmon steaks.
Dairy
Dairy products are a good source of protein, and there are many low-fat options to choose from, including low-fat yogurt, cottage cheese, milk and low-fat shredded cheeses. Yogurt and sour cream can be used in sauces, for dips and as salad dressings. Shredded low-fat cheese can be added to egg dishes, in breakfast burritos and to top off a salad. Low-fat dairy is another way to get protein into your diet. It also contains calcium for strong bones and teeth.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are important sources of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. The Mayo Clinic suggests a healthy diet list include berries for fiber and antioxidants, apples with only 81 calories and 4.4 grams of fiber per serving, pears with 5.5 g of fiber and 98 calories and oranges for both fiber and vitamin C. Vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber; a high-fiber diet may help reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Vegetables that are a healthy addition to any diet list include artichokes with 10.3 g of fiber, peas with 8.8 g, broccoli with 5.1 g and Brussels sprouts with 4.1 g.
Nuts and Whole Grains
A healthy diet list would not be complete without whole grains and nuts. The body needs carbohydrates for energy, and a diet rich in whole grains and nuts may protect against heart disease, according to the Harvard University School of Public Health. Choose whole-grain bread, brown rice and oatmeal instead of white bread and rice. Nuts are full of essential fatty acids and vitamins, and are also good for your heart. Some nuts for your list include almonds, walnuts, pecans and pistachios. Just be sure to eat them in moderation, because nuts are high in calories.
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