Eating healthfully means consuming only the foods and drinks that are appropriate to your nutritional needs. Following a healthy diet provides your body with all of the energy and nutrients it needs to maintain healthy
organs and to function properly, while encouraging optimal development and growth.
Strong Bones
For your body to remain healthy and strong, you need to consume adequate amounts of calcium. The average adult should consume approximately 1,000mg of calcium every day. If you are over 50, you should aim for an additional 200mg. By consuming foods that contain calcium, you are setting your bones up for a lifetime of health. Some of the best sources of calcium include milk, cheese, yogurt, leafy green vegetables, broccoli, asparagus, celery, green beans, cabbage, black-eyed peas, black beans, white beans and pinto beans. You can also take calcium supplements if you have trouble reaching the recommended daily amount.
Weight Control
Obesity is a condition that affects your health in both the short term and long term. Eating healthy foods promotes weight loss and weight control. When your diet is made up of unhealthy choices, you put yourself at risk of obesity and your weight can increase your risk of serious conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart attacks and strokes. To increase your chances of success on a weight-loss diet, focus on making healthy choices daily and stay away from fad diets and pills.
Feeling Better
When you choose to eat unhealthy foods, your body becomes weighed down by the fats, sugar, sodium and other unhealthy ingredients, often leaving you to feel groggy and tired. Although satisfying a craving with unhealthy choices may make you feel good, the pleasure you feel is only temporary, as the sluggishness will soon follow. Healthy foods give you the energy your body needs to get through the day as well as the vitamins and minerals it needs.
Considerations
Many people find it difficult to learn how to make healthy choices, especially after years of bad habits. If you have friends and family that eat healthfully, consider turning to them for assistance. You can also speak with your doctor about your concerns and ask for advice. Finally, a registered dietitian can make the process easier by sitting down with you, exploring your current food choices and compiling an eating plan you can follow.
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