Guide to Eating Healthy

Eating healthy is not as hard as we think it is. The hard part is not what to eat, but what to pass up, such as fast food, large portions of red meat, fried foods, highly processed foods, caffeine and alcohol. We don't need fancy fad diets like the low-carbohydrate diets or the grapefruit diet. All we really need is the knowledge of what is good to put in our bodies and what is not with a little dose of willpower.

What to Eat

When aiming to eat a healthful diet, you will want to make sure you eat well-proportioned servings at each meal of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein and dairy. It is important to understand that the portions will not be the same for all of those categories. Keep reading to see the portions recommended for the average adult.

Fruit, Vegetable and Whole Grains

Aim to eat at least five servings of fruit and vegetables a day. Fruit and vegetables are important to eating healthy because they are packed full of the necessary vitamins and minerals that help you fight off sicknesses and diseases, they help you stay full longer, they help your body function better and they help you eliminate toxins from your body.

Eat six servings of whole grains a day. Many whole-grain foods are less processed than their white counterparts and contain high levels of fiber to help your digestive track function and keep you feeling full longer. Breads, pastas and rice all fall under this category.

Protein and Dairy

Good proteins to eat are things like fish and white cuts of turkey and chicken. You should aim to eat two to three servings a day. Various nuts also make for good sources of protein.

Milk products, yogurt and cheese make up your dairy selections. You should aim for two servings a day. Dairy products are good for optimal bone health in adults--especially women.

Water

Good old water. It is vital to keep all of our bodily functions working properly, such as helping your metabolism and your digestive track. It can help you feel full longer, and it washes out toxins in your body. Consume six to eight glasses of water daily for optimal health.

Additional Tips

A good way for you to get on track and stay on track is to plan your meals in advance. If you can, try to plan your meals for the week. Make one trip to the grocery store a week, and try to shop the perimeter of the store, as this where most of the healthful foods are. Take a detailed list of what you plan to eat, and avoid the temptations of the processed and high-sugar foods.

Another way to keep yourself eating healthy is to keep healthy snacks readily available wherever you go. Cut up vegetables, wash and prepare fruit and stock up on nuts. It helps to put them in single-serving containers so you can just grab them on your way out the door.

Also remember that if you give in to temptation, it's OK. Just get back on track with the next meal or snack.