By Wendy Pan
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1609604
During a time when childhood and adult obesity
along with fast-food lifestyles are two issues of
great concern and importance to the overall
health and future of the nation, it is vital that
individuals and families have a healthy food
list to ensure proper nutrition and avoid
unnecessary weight gain. Rather than going
through the drive through at the nearest burger
joint, try preparing meals at home. Although
at-home meals may take more time and energy,
they are well worth the effort and the benefits
certainly outweigh any inconveniences that
at-home meals may pose. When shopping for
meals to make at home it is important to know
what foods are nutritious and which foods are
simply empty calories. While eating at home is
healthier than the fast food alternative, knowing
the right foods to buy is essential to a healthy diet.
Items on a healthy food list include vegetables,
fruit, low-fat dairy products, beans and legumes,
grains, nuts and seeds, seafood, poultry and other
lean meats. These items include, but are not
limited to:
o Vegetables: asparagus, carrots, green peas, kale,
mushrooms, potatoes, spinach, squash, tomatoes
and yams
o Fruit: apples, blueberries, cranberries, oranges,
pears, pineapple, raspberries and watermelon
o Low-fat dairy products: low-fat or no-fat cheese,
1% or skim milk, yogurt
o Beans and Legumes: black beans, lima beans,
navy beans, pinto beans
o Grains: brown rice, corn, oats, whole wheat
o Nuts and Seeds: cashews, peanuts, pumpkin
seeds, walnuts
o Seafood: salmon, scallops, shrimp, tuna
o Poultry and other lean meats: chicken, turkey,
venison
Organically grown foods are recommended
for promoting health, and whole grain foods
are generally healthier than processed foods.
If bland taste is a concern, there are many
healthy herbs and spices that can be used to
add flavor and pizazz to any food. Herbs and
spices include but are not limited to:
o Cayenne pepper
o Chili powder
o Cinnamon
o Curry powder
o Ginger
o Garlic
o Rosemary
o Thyme
o Chili powder
o Cinnamon
o Curry powder
o Ginger
o Garlic
o Rosemary
o Thyme
It is important when shopping to have a food list
handy. Having meals and recipes determined
beforehand will help shoppers limit their food
purchases to only those items on the list. This
will assist in curbing the desire to buy unhealthy
foods, including snacks. The list alone is not
enough as the shopper must exert willpower
and control while shopping. The individual must
also exercise willpower in restricting fast foods
from their diets.
Creating and sticking to a healthy food list is one
of the best ways to begin and set a foundation for
not only healthy eating but healthy living. Many
people feel that eating healthy is expensive and
not within their budget. While some organic foods
can be a little more costly, there should be a
healthy alternative from which to choose so that
your diet won't bust your belt or your wallet.
Wendy Pan is an accomplished niche website
developer and author. To learn more about
healthy food list [http://besthealthandfitness.info/healthy-food-list-healthy-foods-that-are-good-to-eat-and-will-keep-you-thin],
please visit Best Health and Fitness [http://besthealthandfitness.info] for current articles and discussions.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Wendy_Pan/258274
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/1609604