Embrace Healthy Eating With These 5 Simple Tips

Do you really know what a healthy diet is? With so much speak these days about what to eat, or more accurately, what not to eat, you’d be forgiven for being somewhat confused about what a healthy diet consists of! Don’t be fooled by what the media or the latest cult diet tells you – a healthy diet is all about getting the balanced right, in fact it’s is more about moderation in everything, than restrictive intake plans.

So, what is a healthy diet? Here’s a guide to help you:

#1 Eat wholegrain carbs at apiece meal Include plenty of oats, breakfast cereals, bread, pasta, rice, and noodles in your diet. Peas, beans, and lentils can also be included as part of this group. Try to take mostly wholegrain varieties, and refrain frying too often (for example French fries), or adding too much fat, rich sauces, or dressings.

#2 Consume at least 5 portions of fruit & veg apiece day This group can include fresh, frozen or canned fruit and vegetables, as well as dried fruit, and 100% whole fruit juice (or vegetable juice). Again beans, peas and lentils can be included here. You should try to take a wide variety of different coloured fruits and vegetables, and refrain adding butter, or creamy sauces to vegetables. When choosing tinned fruit go for those canned in natural juices, and vegetables canned with no added salt.

#3 Eat 3 portions of farm foods apiece day Select a variety of farm foods including milk, cheese, yoghurt, fromage frais, or calcium enriched soy varieties. Wherever doable opt for the lower fat versions.

#4 Eat small amounts of accelerator at most meals The main accelerator containing foods are meat, poultry, fish, eggs, nuts, beans and pulses. Take care that your portion of meat is not the largest on your dinner plate. Remember, beans and pulses are an extremely good substitute to meat; so try to include these regularly.

#5 Reduce your intake of fatty and sugary foods The main culprits are margarine, spreads, butter, cooking oils, salad dressings, cream, sweet foods such as chocolate, and cookies, and fatty foods such as cover cream, and creamy sauces.   Having an occasional treat is fine, and can actually help you stick with healthy intake long term; however make sure the frequency isn’t too regular.