Choose healthy meals and snacks at home, in restaurants, and on the go to improve your health. A healthy lifestyle involves choosing a balanced diet or healthy eating plan that also helps you manage your weight, and includes a variety of foods you may not have considered. If “healthy eating” makes you think about the foods you can’t have, try refocusing on all the new foods you can eat.
n Choose fruits, vegetables, and whole grains rather than foods high in sugar, salt, and fat.
n Grab a healthy snack on the go and limit processed foods that are high in salt.
n Read Nutrition Fact Labels to find the healthiest options for your favorite foods.
n Choose water instead of sugary drinks.
Comfort Foods
Healthy eating is all about balance. You can enjoy your favorite foods, even if they are high in calories, fat or added sugars. The key is eating them only once in a while and balancing them with healthier foods and more physical activity.
Some general tips for comfort foods:
n Eat them less often. If you normally eat these foods every day, cut back to once a week or once a month.
n Eat smaller amounts. If your favorite higher-calorie food is a chocolate bar, have a smaller size or only half a bar.
n Try a lower-calorie version. Use lower-calorie ingredients or prepare food differently. For example, if your macaroni and cheese recipe includes whole milk, butter, and full-fat cheese, try remaking it with non-fat milk, less butter, low-fat cheese, fresh spinach and tomatoes. Just remember to not increase your portion size.