Healthy Eating Throughout Life

Healthy eating can prevent diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, depression, poor digestion, and even cancer. Healthy foods help you stay trim, physically fit, and just as mentally sharp in your 60s, 70s and 80s as you were in your 20s. You'll be able to live to 100 and still enjoy life.

In today's world, we don't have time to devote hours and days to preparing foods from scratch that are healthy. We eat highly processed foods. Most of the foods we eat are laden with sugar and chemical ingredients. But anyone can make healthy changes to their diet. It means not eating too many calories or too much of any one nutrient. Eat a wide variety of foods, decide when and which foods to eliminate from your diet, and even change the way you cook. If you take charge and make changes gradually, you will prefer and enjoy healthy food.

Exercise keeps calories in balance, weight in check, and is necessary for overall health. Keep portion sizes reasonable and follow the Healthy Eating Pyramid. A plant-based diet which includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is healthiest. Cut back on red meat, refined grains, potatoes, sugar, and salt. Take a multivitamin to ensure you get all your nutrients. Alcoholic beverages in moderation can also be healthful.

Although too much fat can increase the risk of health problems, it is an essential nutrient. It is an energy source and carries fat-soluble vitamins necessary for growth and development. You can get all your necessary nutrients over the course of a few days. So, become familiar with the Healthy Eating Pyramid and always check the Nutrition Facts panel on the labels of foods that you buy.