EATING RIGHT

Eating right at a young age is very important to your growing body.   The Dietary Guidelines for Americans published in 2005 describes a health diet as one that

 

· Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free milk and milk products.

· Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts; and

· Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars.

 

For more specific information check out the interactive website, http://www.MyPyramid.com

 

Some additional tips:

 

· Eat breakfast.   Studies show that people who eat breakfast do better in school, tend to eat less throughout the day, and are less likely to be overweight.

· Drink milk, including fat-free or low-fat milk.   Did you know that a cup of skim milk has only 80 calories as well as protein and calcium whereas, a can of soda has 150 calories of sugar and no other nutrients?

· Eat a variety of foods from all the different food groups including at least 5 servings a day of fruits and vegetables.

· Drink plenty of water (at least four to six 8-ounce glasses a day).

· Watch your portion size — choose smaller portions at fast-food restaurants and avoid supersizing.

· Stay away from fad diets and diet pills.

· If you choose to become a vegetarian, talk to your doctor or dietitian on how to make nutritious vegetarian choices.

· Be physically active for at least 60 minutes every day.

 

Only you can take charge of your eating style.   Start now!

 

 

Information Sources:   KidsHealth and United State Department of Agriculture

 

Sponsored by the Auglaize County Health Department