Good Nutrition
Good Nutrition
Tips for adding good nutrition to your lifestyle.
Good nutrition is crucial for sustaining a healthy lifestyle. From childhood to adulthood, it plays a significant role in extending life expectancy and reducing the likelihood of various health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, obesity and more. Good nutrition means regularly choosing healthy foods and beverages.
A healthy eating plan should include food groups that help you have a balanced diet for your daily life. Nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. For you to make lasting positive changes in your nutrition, what you buy and eat should also reflect personal tastes, cultural practices and financial considerations.
Following a healthy eating plan doesn't mean limiting yourself. It's not about eliminating favorite dishes, but it's about enjoying a wide range of foods, including those less beneficial to health, but in moderation. Balancing these with nutritious food choices and regular exercise is essential.
Keys to a Healthy Eating Plan
According to MedlinePlus, these are the keys to a healthy eating plan:
- Eating a variety of foods, including vegetables, fruits, and whole-grain products
- Eating lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, and low-fat dairy products
- Getting enough fiber
- Drinking lots of water
- Limiting salt, added sugars, alcohol, and saturated fat
Healthy Snacks
The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center has gathered a list of healthy snacks and here are a few examples:
Each snack has a carb and a protein:
- 3 (2.5 inch) graham crackers (carb) with 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter (protein)
- 1/2 whole wheat pita (carb) filled with 1/2 cup tuna salad made with light mayonnaise (protein)
- 1 small apple (carb) with a hard-boiled egg (protein)
- 1/2 cup cooked oatmeal (carb) with 1/4 cup chopped nuts (protein)
- 5 to 6 whole wheat crackers (carb) with 1 ounce cheese (protein)
For additional resources, download our Lifestyle and Nutrition Recommendations PDF.