Healthy diets include a variety of foods to provide your body with necessary nutrients. When you're rushing through the grocery store or digging through the cupboards for a quick snack, healthy isn't always the first thing that comes to mind. Preparing yourself with a list of healthy foods makes the choice easier, helping you avoid convenience foods with less nutritional value.
Grains
Whole grains contain a high amount of fiber, which offers several health benefits. A fiber-rich diet helps regulate the digestive system and decreases your chances of coronary heart disease, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Grains also help with weight control when eaten as part of an overall healthy diet. Grains like oatmeal, rice, buckwheat, bulgur and barley work as a healthy meal component. Other products contain the whole grains in them, such as tortillas, breads, pastas, cereals and crackers.
Lean Protein
Protein serves as a basic building block throughout the body. Lean and healthy proteins offer your body the benefits of protein without excessive fat and calories. Meat, poultry and fish are main components of the lean protein category. Choose the leanest cuts of meat and poultry to include in your diet. Eggs, nuts, seeds and beans also fuel the body with protein. Many nuts and seeds are also available in butter form to use in sandwiches and other bread products. Beans work well in a number of dishes, including soups, salads and meatless burgers.
Produce
Fruit and vegetables keep your calorie count low while supplying lots of nutrients to the body. For the greatest variety of nutrients, choose fruits and vegetables of different colors. Serving your produce fresh is a quick and nutritious way to enjoy this healthy food. Steaming, boiling and roasting are healthy methods of cooking vegetables to add as a side dish to a meal.
Low-Fat Dairy
Dairy products boost your calcium intake, which keeps your bones strong and healthy. A calcium-rich diet means a decreased risk of osteoporosis. Low-fat dairy products are a healthy option to reduce the overall fat in your diet. Eat dairy products like yogurt, milk, cheese, sour cream and frozen yogurt.
Healthy Fats
Fat often gets a bad reputation, but some healthy fat is a necessary part of your diet. Choose foods with polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats for the healthiest option. You can get healthy fat from olives, avocados, nuts, fish and vegetable oils. Avoid foods with trans fats, and keep your saturated fats low.
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