General Nutrition

Nutrition

Every time you pick up a magazine, change the channels on your television or radio, someone is telling you how you eat. Unfortunately, not all the advice is sound. For the most part, good nutritional habits are based on common sense. Moderation and variety should be considered when choosing all foods. Below is a list of general dietary recommendations which are based on nationally recognized nutritional guidelines. Modifications may be necessary for those with specific health needs. Once you have incorporated these guidelines into your daily meal plans, relax and enjoy eating for health.

Healthy Snacking Tips

Did you know snacking is healthy....that is if you snack on the right foods. A healthy snack provides quick energy, is balanced in carbohydrate, fat, and protein, and contains a reasonable calorie content.

Eating Out the Healthy Way

This is a simple guide to help you select menu items when eating away from home. It is wise to dine in restaurants that will offer items that are included in your dietary guidelines. Some food may require special preparation, so you need to ask if menu items can be modified. Always look for the healthiest selections: foods prepared in the simplest manner.

Simple Ways to Boost Nutrition

It is easy to enhance the nutritional content of your diet if you learn to slide healthful nutrients in recipes, meals, and snacks. To get you started, try some of these tips:

A Guide to Healthier Grocery Shopping

When you know where the healthier choices are located in the grocery store, you will have an easier time making selections while steering your cart through the isles. Her is a handy guide you can use next time you make a trip to the grocery store.

Convenient and Healthful

What is hectic for one person might be leisurely for another. Your own lifestyle demands indicate how much you must rely on convenience foods. Being prepared with certain ingredients, labor saving devices, and precooked meals are key for ensuring quick but healthful meals.

Instead of Fat Try...Herbs and Spices

Here are some spices that form excellent partnerships with specific foods. Choose one or more of the following spices to go with the suggested foods:

Healthy Suggested Food List by Brand and Type

Fiber in Your Diet

Dietary fiber is the material from plant cells that is non-digestible or only partially digestible in humans. There are two types of fiber: soluble and insoluble.

Calcium and Bone Health

Healthy bone growth and maintenance requires adequate calcium intake. Calcium needs can be met from foods, beverages, and if necessary, supplements. Adequate intake for calcium is: 500mg/day for children 1-2 years old, 800mg children 4-8 years old, 1300mg for adolescents and teenagers 9-18 years old, and adults 19 and older need at least 1000-1200mg/day.