Healthy Foods List - Healthy foods that are good to eat and keep you thin

Healthy Foods List - Healthy foods that are good to eat and keep you thin

At a time when childhood and adult obesity and a fast food lifestyle are two issues of great importance to the overall health and future of the country, it is important that individuals and families have a list of healthy foods to ensure proper nutrition and avoid unnecessary weight gain. Try preparing meals at home instead of going through the drive-thru to the nearest burger joint. Although meals at home can take more time and energy, they are worth the effort and the benefits certainly outweigh the inconveniences that meals at home can bring. When shopping for meals at home, it's important to know which 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 eat is important for a healthy diet.

The list of healthy foods includes vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy products, beans and legumes, grains, nuts and seeds, seafood, poultry and other lean meats. These elements include, but are not limited to:

o Vegetables: Asparagus, carrots, green peas, kale, mushrooms, potatoes, spinach, pumpkin, tomatoes and yams

o Fruit: Apples, blueberries, cranberries, oranges, pears, pineapples, raspberries and watermelon

o Low-fat dairy products: low-fat or fat-free cheese, 1% or skimmed milk, yogurt

o Beans and legumes: black beans, lima beans, white 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

Organic foods are recommended to promote health, and whole grains are generally healthier than processed foods. If bland flavor 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

When shopping, it is important to have a grocery list on hand. When meals and recipes are decided in advance, shoppers can limit their grocery purchases to only the items on the list. This will help curb cravings for unhealthy foods, including snacks. The list alone is not enough because the buyer must exercise willpower and control when purchasing. Individuals must also exercise willpower to eliminate fast food from their diet.

Creating and sticking to a list of healthy foods is one of the best ways to start not only a healthy diet but also a healthy life. Many people believe that healthy food is expensive and not within their budget. While some organic foods may be a little more expensive, there should be a healthy alternative for you to choose from so that your diet doesn't break your belt or wallet.