Food for Thought

http://www.thenutritionsource.org/

http://helpguide.org/life/healthy_eating_diet.htm

http://www.mypyramid.gov/

http://www.bcm.edu/cnrc/HealthyEating_calculator.htm

Two of the most important factors in establishing good health are how active we are and what we eat. Creating a solid and effective workout program can be challenging, couple that with knowing how to eat properly and most people throw in the towel before the fight starts. We all know that eating a wholesome and balanced diet is the key to good health. While there seems to be a plethora of information about eating healthy, enough to confuse the most astute student, when it comes down to it eating right is relatively simple.

Most nutritionist agree that a plant-based diet should be the starting point of a healthy diet. Fruits and vegetables should be featured heavily on your plate. Add to that good, clean protein like fish and chicken, good essential fats, good carbs like whole grains and you have the basis for a healthy diet. Of course for many of us its hard to eat properly all the time so there's nothing wrong with having a treat every once in a while as long as you indulge in moderation. And no, moderation doesn't mean one treat everyday, more like once or twice a week max.

Tips for Healthy Eating

1. Practice portion control. To much of a good thing can still be detrimental. A good rule of thumb is to stick to child sized portions.
2. Eat at regular time intervals. This helps to stiffle the urge to grab and go which often leads to poor food choices.
3. Don't run from dessert. Don't make the mistake of thinking that desserts can't be healthy. Fill a bowl with fruit it's just as sweet and satisfying with fewer calories and an added bonus of healthy vitamins and nutrients. Save those high calorie desserts for one day out of the week, it will give you something to look forward to and serve as a reward for doing the right thing the rest of the week.
4. Drink water. Drinking water can help you feel full, preventing you from loading up on unnecessary calories later.

For more tips on healthy eating try some of the above links. Knowledge is power and we all have the power to eat healthy. Thanks for your ear and keep reading.