Your Healthy Eating Cheklist for Every age

Sunday, November 9, 2008

As the old saying goes, "You are what you eat." And there are some foods, no matter what age you are, that will always be good for your health. So eat healthy to be healthy by checking off and integrating these nutritious foods into your daily diet.

Check One: Milk
Why is this important?

* Milk strengthens bones and teeth.
* It helps stop the bleeding in cuts and bruises.
* The calcium in milk helps prevent common bone diseases such as osteoporosis.

Babies should drink whole milk because they need the extra calories to support their incredible growth rate. Reduced-fat (two-percent) milk is kids' best bet because they usually get plenty of calories from other sources. Adults should also drink reduced-fat milk, but for those on a diet or trying to lose weight, low-fat (one-percent) milk or skim milk enriched with calcium is a great option. Seniors who don't get enough sunlight (and therefore may not get enough vitamin D) may need to go back to whole milk to ensure strong bones.

Food tip: For those who are lactose-intolerant or who have a dairy allergy, soy milk is a great alternative.

Check Two: Fruits and Vegetables
Why are these important?

* Vitamin A helps to keep skin healthy.
* Vitamin C helps heal cuts and bruises and fight infections.
* Phytonutrients (compounds in edible plants) significantly reduce the risk of cancer.
* They're a key part of any weight-loss program because they're low in calories yet fill you up fast.

Daily-serving amounts change depending on your age and physical-activity level. But in general, babies can start eating 1 teaspoon to 2 tablespoons of pureed fruits and veggies right around the middle of their first year. Kids should eat 1 to 2 servings each, while adults and seniors should eat 2 to 4 servings each of fruit and vegetables a day.

Food tip: As a rule of thumb, pick fruits and vegetables with different colors to get the most nutrition.

Check Three: Whole Grains
Why are these important?

* Carbohydrates provide energy for daily activities.
* Fiber helps you feel full longer and is great for your heart and your metabolism.
* Whole grains help lower cholesterol and blood-pressure levels.
* They're high in antioxidants which fight against cell damage.

Babies can eat about a fourth of a cup of special whole-grain baby cereal. Kids, adults, and seniors should eat about 3 servings of whole grains a day. New Healthy Choice Panini are made with the goodness of whole grains—and come in four delicious varieties. Work one into your personal meal plan today.

Food tip: Whole grains are not the same thing as refined grains. Look for the specific phrase "whole grain" on the package or food label.

Check Four: Meat
Why is this important?

* Meat is a great source of protein, which helps build strong muscles.
* The iron found in meat carries oxygen to all parts of your body and helps energize you.
* Meat is an abundant source of vitamins and minerals that are essential to your body’s everyday functions.

Babies can eat 2 tablespoons to a half cup of meat in strained or pureed form around 7 to 10 months. Kids should eat about 2 to 3 ounces of lean meat a day, while adults can eat about 5 to 7 ounces. Because metabolism tends to slow down with age, seniors may want to replace their meat intake with beans to get more fiber.

Food tip: Be careful not to eat too much of just one type of meat. Vary your meals with red meat, poultry, and fish.

source : http://www.healthychoice.com

0 comments: