Choose your food wisely to stay healthy. Have you ever wondered how can affect your health? Together with regular exercise, a healthy and well-balanced diet can help you to lower your risk of getting diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and becoming overweight.
The food pyramid is a useful guide to planning a balanced meal. Foods can generally be divided into 4 groups.
- Rice and Alternatives.
Food at the bottom of the pyramid, which are Rice and Alternatives should be taken in relatively greater portions than food on top. Examples of these are rice, pasta, noodles bread and potatoes. These foods give our body the energy it needs for the day.
- Fruits and vegetables
These foods are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Have two servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Try a variety of different colored fruits and vegetables for maximum benefit.
- Meats and alternatives
These should be taken in small amounts than the previous two groups. Choose only lean meats and remove any fat. White meat such as chicken and fish are healthier choices like red meats like beef and pork. Go for low fat milk and cheese for your calcium which are needed for strong bones. Avoid taking more than 3-4 eggs in a week as the yolk is high on cholesterol. Internal organs like liver and intestines are also high in cholesterol.
- Fats, oil, sugar and salt
These should only be consumed in small quantities. Foods with more fats and oils include butter, full cream milk or cream, deep fried foods, coconut milk and salad dressing. Healthier alternatives soft margarines, low fat or skim milk, steamed or baked foods, olive, corn, canola or sunflower oil. Also avoid foods high in sugar. Choose healthier alternatives such as plain water, water with lemon or lime squeezed in, coffee or tea without sugar.
