What kind of foods should you be eating?

There are so many different reports and studies out there; it can be confusing. The best foods to eat come down to a diet that is plant-based, rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It’s also good to keep a watch on the calories to avoid excessive intake. Exercise always comes into play as a complement to a healthy diet and lifestyle.

Here are eight tips for eating the right foods:

• Choose good carbs, or carbohydrates, which provide the body with the fuel it needs for physical activity – whole grains, vegetables, fruits, and greens.

• Choose protein-rich foods and watch what comes with that protein (as with red meat and saturated fat). Good vegetable protein sources are beans, nuts, and whole grains. Good animal protein comes from fish and poultry.

• Eat healthy fats, minimize the saturated fats, and avoid the trans fat. Plant oils, nuts, and fish are the best sources.

• Get plenty of fiber from whole grains, vegetables, and fruits. Most adult women should get over 20 grams per day and men should get over 30 grams of fiber per day.

• Eat 9 servings of fruits and vegetables per day, which comes out to about 4 1/2 cups total.

• Keep up your intake of calcium, and not just from milk. Good, non-dairy sources include baked beans, soy milk, collard and bok choy.

• Drink alcohol in moderation. It can boost cardiovascular health, but can also increase the risk of colon and breast cancer.

• Take a daily multivitamin.

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