Food is important because it provides our body with the energy and nutrients needed for everyday activities. The saying “You are what you eat” is true. Choosing the food for healthy eating means having a balanced combination of the following five food groups:
- fruits,
- vegetables,
- grains,
- dairy or food rich in calcium, and
- proteins such as meats and beans.
Eating more of the good stuff isn’t enough though. Limit very sweet, salty, or fatty foods. When eating out, many fast food outlets and restaurants serve up much larger portions than you should eat. In these cases, try asking for a smaller serving. Or just order a side dish or appetizer. If they still give you too much food, don’t try to eat everything on the plate. Take the leftovers home or share with someone else.
Simple steps you can take to improve your diet are:
- Balance the energy you eat with the energy you burn.
- Buy healthier foods.
- Use healthier cooking methods.
Only serve out what you need.
The best way to find out the nutritional content is to locate the nutrition label on the packet. Nutrition labels vary between countries and can be very confusing and difficult to understand. Focus on serving size, calories, and nutrient information.
