Did you know that if all U.S. adults followed a healthy diet, the health care cost savings could reach $88.2 billion? Source: Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
10 tips for healthy eating
There is a lot of helpful information about nutrition, but it can feel overwhelming trying to remember it all. Here is your cheat sheet for healthy eating:
- Eat the rainbow. A variety of fruits, vegetables, grains and protein help to ensure your body gets all the nutrients it needs.
- Eat meals and snacks regularly. This helps keep your blood sugar stable and gives your body a consistent source of energy throughout your day.
- Start the day with breakfast. It gives you energy to begin your day!
- Keep your portions consistent. This can help with weight loss and helps you maintain adequate energy levels for your body throughout your day.
- Don’t confuse serving size with portion size. A portion size is how much you put on your plate. A serving size is the amount we use to calculate nutrition. It’s not necessarily bad to eat more than a serving size, but it's something to be aware of.
- Drink water and say no to sugary drinks.
- Limit salty foods and use of extra salt.
- Choose fats that are better for your heart such as olive and canola oil, avocados, nuts and seeds.
- Go for whole grains like brown rice and wheat bread and pasta.
- Limit processed foods. Shop the perimeter of the grocery store.
Source: Juniper's Living Well with Diabetes class