Eating Healthy At Any Age

The first step to better nutrition is to understand what kind of fuel your body needs. In 2011, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) replaced the food pyramid with a portion plate that highlights the five food groups.

March is National Nutrition Month and Home Helpers is dedicated to raising awareness. Good nutrition is not only good for our bodies but it also helps promote healthy habits all around. With two-thirds of all adults being overweight, it’s becoming more important to start making healthier food choices.

In celebration of National Nutrition Month, we encourage you to take a proactive approach to your health, one choice at a time. Rather than trying the latest fad diet, take a step back and reexamine your ultimate objective – a healthier lifestyle in which you feel more energized, optimistic and comfortable in your own skin.

The Food Groups

GRAINS – “Make half of your grains whole.”
Eat at least 3 oz. of whole-grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice, or pasta every day.
1 oz. is about 1 slice of bread, about 1 cup of breakfast cereal, or ½ cup of cooked rice, cereal or pasta.

VEGETABLES – “Vary your veggies.”
Eat more dark leafy greens, including broccoli, spinach and watercress.
Eat more orange vegetables, including carrots and sweet potatoes.
Eat more dry beans and peas like pinto beans, kidney beans and lentils.

FRUITS – “Focus on fruits.”
Eat a wide variety of fruit that’s fresh, frozen, canned or dried.
Go easy on fruit juices – these contain high amounts of sugar, which can cause the body’s energy levels to soar and then crash.

DAIRY/MILK – “Get your calcium-rich foods.”
Go low-fat or fat-free when you choose milk, yogurt and other milk products.
If you don’t or can’t consume milk, choose lactose-free products or other calcium sources such as fortified foods and beverages.

PROTEIN/MEATS & BEANS – “Go lean with protein.”
Choose low-fat or lean meats and poultry.
Bake it, broil it, or grill it.
Vary your protein routine – choose more fish, beans, peas, nuts and seeds.

Remember these tips, and try to apply them to your lifestyle, not just as a ‘lose weight’ campaign!

This information provided by Home Helpers Of LKN & Central NC.  Visit our website for more information!