Maintaining a healthy diet is key to living a healthy lifestyle. Eating a diet high in saturated fats has been linked to coronary heart disease and is one of the main causes of the obesity epidemic in America.
The Healthy Eating Pyramid
Created by the Harvard School of Public Health, the Healthy Eating Pyramid provides an updated version of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Guide Pyramid. Among other alterations, it adds in a building block of daily exercise and weight control, since this affects what people eat and how the food they eat affects them. The Harvard School also recommends eating vegetables and fruits, healthy fats and oils and whole grains, as well as nuts, seeds beans, tofu and fish, poultry and eggs. The pyramid indicates that people should have one to two servings of dairy. They should eat red meat, refined grains, salt, sugary drinks and sweets and butter sparingly.
Benefits of the Healthy Eating Pyramid
Following the diet of the healthy eating pyramid has great benefits, according to the Harvard School of Public Health. Eating a diet that has plenty of whole grains can help prevent heart disease; consuming healthy fats like avocados and salmon can improve cholesterol levels; and the vegetables and fruits can help prevent cataracts and muscle breakdowns later in life. The fish, poultry and eggs portion of the pyramid can reduce the risk of heart disease as well.
Keep Food Portions Moderate
One of the keys to healthy eating is to keep food portions moderate, according to helpguide.org. Super-size portions at fast-food restaurants and even fine dining restaurants are generally too big. The site recommends that people choose an appetizer size portion rather than a regular entree size when eating out.
Drink Plenty of Water
It is important to drink as much water as possible. According to helpguide.org, human bodies are made up of about 75 percent water. Water lubricates the joints and moistens the lungs to help us breathe. It also helps the body flush its systems, particularly the kidneys and the bladder.
Enjoy Fatty and Sugary Foods in Moderation
Drinking one 12-ounce can of soda (that contains 160 calories) every day can increase your weight by 16 pounds in one year, according to helpguide.org. So, rather than guzzling sugary sodas and scarfing down greasy fries and hamburgers, limit your intake of these types of foods. When you do want to splurge and consume a meal that is high in calories, eat it in moderation.