There are many fad diets and dietary trends in the United States, and with so much nutritional marketing, it may be hard to determine what foods are actually healthy and which foods are not. There are no laws that dictate the use of such words as "healthy," "healthful," or "natural" on food labels, so you must be educated as a consumer to make decisions about what foods, in what amounts, are healthy for you.
Quality
When choosing foods to consume, it is important to choose foods of good nutritional quality. For example, many packaged sweets and snacks are high in calories without many nutrients. Alternatively, fruits are sweet, but are also packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Satisfy your sweet tooth by choosing a variety of colorful foods that come from the ground.
Quantity
Even the healthiest of foods can be unhealthful if consumed too much. For example, whole grain breads and pastas are great for maintaining an even blood sugar level, but if you consume too many carbohydrates in general, it can lead to weight gain. Similarly, consuming too few carbohydrates can lead to nutritional deficiencies. On average, you should be consuming about as many calories as you expend through physical activity. To determine the appropriate number of calories to consume, use an internet calorie calculator such as the one on LIVESTRONG.com's MyPlate.
Five a Day
The United States Department of Agriculture recommends that you consume three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruits per day. Consuming five servings of fruits and vegetables per day decreases your risk of developing many health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer by increasing your intake of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals that fight off these diseases. Always strive to consume five servings of fruit and vegetables a day.
The Whole Picture
Good nutrition is not just about one popular food item that you include or exclude from your diet. You will not experience health miracles by consuming one type of fruit or juice everyday, nor will you ruin your health by consuming an occasional package of candy. You should approach your diet with a balanced perspective, striving to eat healthfully on a daily basis. When your overall diet is a picture of health, you can afford to indulge in the occasional birthday cake or Thanksgiving dinner.
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