Most everyone has been told in some form or another to "eat a healthy diet," and for good reason. The benefits of a nutritionally sound lifestyle are countless and include decreased risk for and treatment of infections and disease, improved emotional well-being, healthy weight management and lengthened longevity. To improve your overall physical and emotional well-being, consider a healthy dietary lifestyle.
Function
People choose to partake in a health dietary lifestyle for a variety of reasons. Healthy diets are often geared toward weight management, prevention or management of illness, improved energy or sleep habits or toward maintaining current levels of health. Though healthy dietary steps and goals vary from person to person, the Department of Health and Human Services suggests that in general, a healthy diet should support health and help prevent the development of major chronic conditions. If you have a particular condition you hope to treat, prevent or help manage through dietary measures, seek guidance from a qualified professional for best results.
Features
A healthy diet should contain an array of nutrient-dense foods, such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein and modest amounts of healthy fat. Ideally, a healthy dietary regime will allow for flexibility and enjoyment of food so that an individual can follow the basic guidelines---whether dining at home, at the workplace or at a restaurant---without feeling bored, frustrated or deprived. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a healthy, balanced dietary plan generally includes dairy products, meats and/or beans, poultry, fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds and oils. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also includes physical activity as a recommended feature of a healthy dietary lifestyle.
Benefits
Benefits of a healthy diet include a strengthened immune system; improved body weight, energy and physical strength; improved emotional health and extended life expectancy. According to the American Heart Association, a healthy diet is essential to preventing cardiovascular disease, America's leading cause of death. According to BBC News, research conducted at the University London College in 2009 indicates that people with depression who consume a healthy diet based on unprocessed foods are less likely to suffer relapse than those who do not. To reap most benefits, consume a variety of fresh, healthy foods regularly.
Considerations
Though a healthy, balanced diet is recommended for everyone, the specific details may vary depending upon your own personal needs and goals. If you are at risk for heart disease, obesity or diabetes, a healthy dietary plan that emphasizes heart health and weight management is key. Those with food allergies or intolerances or who have medical conditions that affect one's diet may have to pay special attention to nutrients or ingredients.
Personal preferences and lifestyle are also valuable considerations, such as whether one is vegetarian, vegan or eats in a particular way for religious or cultural reasons. People require different amounts of nutrients and calories depending on age, activity level, body size and whether one is pregnant, menopausal or, in the case of children, still developing. Talk with your doctor or dietitian if you have questions regarding specific dietary guidelines that best suit you.
Suggestions
Unless you've been instructed otherwise by your doctor, consume a variety of nutrient-rich foods regularly, including colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, starchy vegetables, fish, lean poultry, legumes, nuts, seeds and unsaturated oils, such as canola or olive oil. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests three meals and snacks, as needed, throughout each day for optimum results.
According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, a healthy diet for Americans includes at least 2 cups of fruit, 2 1/2 cups of vegetables, at least 3 healthy carbohydrates, such as whole grains, and 3 cups of low-fat dairy products, or the equivalent, daily. Consume modest amounts of fat at each meal, while avoiding deep-fried foods, red meat, cheeses, whole milk and processed foods which contain saturated fats and may increase risk for diseases. Aim for a lifestyle that promotes or improves your health and provides ample energy and fulfillment throughout each day.
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