dreamstime_xxl_49640582The quality and quantity of the food you consume are the two things you must consider if you want to eat with the goal of wellness in mind.  In today’s society, where processed and fast foods are the norm, it is sometimes difficult to maintain quality food choices.  Add to that super-sized portions and it becomes nearly impossible to control caloric intake.  Here are some easy steps for healthy eating.

  • Know how many calories are in all the foods and beverages you consume.  Purchase a small pocket calorie guide at your local bookstore or online.
  • Each day you should have 2-3 portions of proteins, 3-5 servings of vegetables, 2-4 servings of fruit, 2-3 servings of whole grains, 1-2 servings of dairy and 1-3 servings of fat.
  • Stay away from bleached flours, refined cereals, high sugary starches, and trans fats.
  • As a general rule, shop the perimeter of your grocery store where you will find the fruits, vegetables, proteins and natural whole grains.
  • Monitor your serving sizes.  A general rule of thumb is that a serving size of meat should not be larger than the size of your palm, a serving of grains should not exceed the size of your fist, and there is no limit as to the amount of vegetables you can consume.
  • Drink (8) 8 ounce glasses of pure water each day.