Live Healthy!

Before you eat, think about what goes on your plate or in your cup or bowl. Foods like vegetables, fruits, whole granins, low-fat dairy products, and lean (low-fat) protein foods contain the nutrients you need without too many calories. Try some of these:

- Half your plate should be fruits and vegetables.      
                                        

-Switch to skim or 1% milk.          
         

-Eat more whole grain rice and bread.      
          

-Mix your protein food choices.

Decrease foods high in solid fats, added sugars, and salt.  Many people eat foods with too many solid fats, added sugars, and salt (sodium). Added sugars and fats load foods with extra calories you don't need. Too much sodium may increase your blood pressure.

-Choose foods and drinks with little or no added sugars.    

- Look out for salt in foods you buy.         

-Avoid foods that are high in solid fats.

Eat the right amount of calories for you. Everyone has a personal calorie limit. People who are successful at managing their weight make a list of how much they eat, and what they eat.

- Enjoy your food, but eat less.       
                                                                          
- Cook at home, so you know what's in your food.     

- Write down what you eat and how much you eat.       

-Limit alcohol to 1 drink a day for women or to 2 drinks a day for men.

Be physically active your way Pick activities that you like and start by doing what you can, at least 10 minutes at a time. Every bit adds up, and the health benefits increase as you spend more time being active.

Note to parents: What you eat and drink and your level of physical activity are important for your own health, and also for your children's health. Your children pay attention to what you do more than what you say. You can do a lot to help your children develop healthy habits for life by providing and eating healthy meals and snacks. For example, don't just tell your children to eat their vegetables - show them that you eat and enjoy vegetables every day.

What will you do to eat healthy?