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Diet does not necessarily mean losing weight. In general terms,
your diet is the food that you consume. It's important that this diet be one that can improve your vitality, keep you healthy,
and make you feel good.
What is a "Healthy Diet"?
The Dietary
Guidelines describe a healthy diet as one that
- Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat
milk and milk products;
- Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts; and
- Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium),
and added sugars.
Explore the different food groups, set by The United States Department of Agriculture's MyPyramid Plan, below.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IS IMPORTANT
TOO...
Being physically active is one key to
living a healthier, happier life. To move toward a healthier
weight and prevent weight gain, aim for about 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity on most days.
If you have lost weight, you may need 60 to 90 minutes a day to maintain your weight loss.
Moderate intensity physical
activity is any activity that takes about as much energy as a brisk walk. For the average person, this is about 1½ to 2 miles
in 30 minutes, a pace at which breathing will quicken and the heart will beat faster. No matter what activity you choose,
you can do it all at once, or divide it into two or three parts during the day. If you divide it up, each part should be at
least 10 minutes long. Most adults do not need to see their health care provider before starting to exercise at a moderate
level. However, men over age 40 and women over age 50 planning to start vigorous physical activity should consult a health
care provider. Individuals with one of the conditions below should also consult a health care provider for help in designing
a safe physical activity program.
◊ A chronic health problem such as heart disease, high blood pressure,
diabetes, osteoporosis, asthma, or obesity.
◊ High risk for heart disease, such as a family history of heart disease or stroke, eating a diet high in saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol or smoking.
Physical activity and nutrition work
together for better health. Being physically active increases the amount of calories burned. As people age their metabolism
slows, so maintaining energy balance requires moving more and eating less.
Physical activity...
◊ Improves self-esteem
and feelings of well-being.
◊ Increases fitness level.
◊ Helps build and maintain
bones, muscles, and joints.
◊ Builds endurance and muscle strength.
◊
Enhances
flexibility and posture.
◊ Helps manage weight.
◊ Lowers risk of heart
disease, colon cancer, and
type 2 diabetes.
◊ Helps control blood pressure.
◊
Reduces feelings of depression and anxiety.
 Once you have studied these diet principles, and feel you are ready
to embrace them, click here to move onto the last portion of The F.A.P. Method: Thought.
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