Wellness Resources

The Healthy Diet

Another basic rule for an optimal diet is that fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes-the foods high in complex carbohydrates and fiber, low in fat, and free of cholesterol-should make up more than half of the calories you consume; the rest should come from low-fat dairy products, lean meats and poultry, and fish. These foods will help keep your fat and cholesterol intake relatively low and ensure that you get the proper amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Following these basic rules doesn't mean that you have to give up your favorite foods. As long as your overall diet is low in fat and high in complex carbohydrates, there is nothing wrong with an occasional cheeseburger or ice cream cone. Just limit how frequently you eat such foods and eat small portions. You can also view healthy eating as an opportunity to expand your repertoire by trying foods-especially vegetables, grains, or fruits - that you don't normally eat. There's no reason that eating right has to mean eating foods that are bland or unappealing.

Twelve steps to a healthy diet

1. Keep your total fat intake at or below 30% of your total daily calories. Limit your intake of fat by choosing lean meats, poultry without the skin, fish, and low-fat dairy products. In addition, cut back on vegetable oil and butter-or foods made with these-as well as mayonnaise, salad dressings, and fried foods.

2. Limit your intake of saturated fat to less than 10% of your fat calories. A diet high in saturated fat contributes to high blood cholesterol levels. The richest sources of saturated fat are animal products and tropical vegetable oils, such as coconut or palm oil.

3. Keep your cholesterol intake at 300 milligrams per day or less. Cholesterol is found only in animal products, such as meats, poultry, dairy products, and egg yolks.

4. Eat a diet high in complex carbohydrates. Carbohydrates should contribute at least 55% of your total daily calories. To help meet this requirement, eat five or more servings of a combination of vegetables and fruits, and six or more servings of whole grains or legumes daily. This will help you obtain your daily fiber requirements. Make sure to include green, orange, and yellow fruits and vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and cantaloupe, and citrus fruits. These foods are thought to help protect against developing certain types of cancer.

5. Maintain a moderate protein intake. Protein should make up about 12% of your total daily calories. Choose low-fat sources of protein.

6. Eat a variety of foods.

7. Avoid too much sugar. Sugar is a source of "empty" calories, and many foods that are high in sugar are high in sugar are also high in fat.

8. Limit your sodium intake to no more than 2,400 milligrams per day. This is equivalent to the amount of sodium in a little more than a teaspoon of salt.

9. Maintain an adequate calcium intake. Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth. Get your calcium from low-fat sources, such as skim milk and low-fat yogurt.

10. Get your vitamins and minerals from foods, not from supplements. Especially avoid supplements that provide more than the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for any one nutrient.

11. Maintain a desirable weight. Balance energy (calorie) intake with energy (calorie) output. Eating a low-fat diet will help you maintain-or lower-your weight, as will regular exercise.

12. If you drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Drink no more than the equivalent of one ounce of pure alcohol per day. This is the amount in two twelve-ounce beers, two small glasses of wine, or one and a half fluid ounces of spirits.