Mom has always told you to eat your vegetables, but you may be forgetting the importance of other foods in your diet. There are reasons why it is recommended that people eat a well-rounded diet. Making sure that you get a little bit of everything, from whole grains to low-fat dairy, ensures that you are getting all of the vitamins and nutrients that your body needs to run properly and stay healthy.
Variety diets are the best, and most healthy, and this is the reason for the USDA MyPlate guidelines, which teach people the basics of healthy eating and portion control. What you should eat for a healthy mind and body isn’t just about the foods you choose, but also about how much of them you eat.
Getting Your Vegetables
You may find it interesting that varying colors of vegetables sometimes indicate the great things that they can do for you and the specific nutrients that are in them. Red means heart healthy, purple help your brain, and yellow is good for your eyes.
There is more to it than that. Red, yellow, orange, white, tan, and brown vegetables are all good for heart health. Eat not just yellow, but also orange and green veggies for eye health. Plus, all vegetables are great for helping the fight against cancer.
Always fill one-third of your plate with various vegetables of varying colors. This ensure that you are getting the right variety of vitamins and nutrients. Switch up your veggies each day as well, and don’t be afraid to try something new!
Why You Need Meat
Sure, there are many other foods you get get protein from, such as animal by-products and different vegetables. However, meat is one of the most complete protein sources, and contrary to some beliefs, it’s good for you.
To get the benefits of meat you want to make sure that you are looking for lean choices. Chicken is one of the best choices for healthy meats, as well as fish. Your best bet, for the best in nutrients and health, is to pick organic chicken, and other meats.
Don’t forget your red meat either. Grass-fed, organic beef is actually really good for the body. The biggest thing to remember when it comes to buying meat is to pick lean. You can’t go wrong.
Everything Else You Should Eat
Obviously you aren’t going to live on meat and vegetables. Get your fruit, which make the perfect replacement to sweets. Fruit will give you the vitamins, and healthy natural sugars, you need.
Pick low-fat or no-fat dairy, make sure that at least half of your grain choices are whole grain, and remember that you are also getting protein from vegetables and even beans!
Originally posted on August 6, 2015 @ 10:12 am