Staying healthy is a government affair – really.
Recently the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Health and Human Services released the seventh edition of guidelines for healthier eating habits. The evidence-based tips can be pretty simple. Working with these tips can reduce the risk of many chronic diseases and, hopefully, weight issues.
Guidelines are really about common sense.
Eat more veggies and fruit. When picking produce, eat a variety, especially dark-green and red and orange vegetables and beans and peas. Eat whole grains and more fat-free or low-fat dairy products like milk, yogurt, cheese or fortified soy beverages.
Like veggies, eat a variety of proteins like fish, lean meats, poultry, beans and nuts.
Eat less fat and use oils rather than solid fat when possible in cooking.
Choose foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals that help your body and eat less sodium.
Taking time to read labels can lead to better, more informed decisions in the grocery store.
Basically:
- Enjoy your food, but eat less.
- Avoid oversized portions.
- Make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
- Switch to fat-free or low-fat (1%) milk.
- Compare sodium in foods like soup, bread, and frozen meals – and choose the foods with lower numbers.
- Drink water instead of sugary drinks.
And, remember, it’s not just about eating. Physical activity also makes for a healthy life.
To read the full report visit http://www.cnpp.usda.gov.
Chef Gigi Gaggero 