Making Healthy Food Choices

Vegetables, fruits, and grains are normally low in


fat and have no cholesterol. Most are great sources


of dietary fiber, complex carbs, and vitamins.


The American Heart Association recommends that you


eat foods that are high in complex carbs and fiber.




Below are some tips for making healthy food choices:




- Coconut is high in saturated fat, while olives


are high in monounsaturated fats and calories. You


should use these items sparingly to avoid getting


too many calories from fat.




- When vegetable grains are cooked, saturated fat


or cholesterol is often added. For example, egg


yolks may be added to bread or even pasta.




- Processed, canned, or preserved vegetables may


also contain added sodium. With some people, too


much sodium (salt) may lead to high blood pressure.


There are some food companies that are actually


canning vegetables with less salt. You can look


for these in the market area or choose fresh and


even frozen vegetables.




- Nuts and seeds tend to be high in calories and


fat, although a majority of the fat is polyunsaturated


or monounsaturated. There are some varieties,


macadamie nuts for example, that are also high in


saturated fat.




Foods that are high in soluble fiber are a great


choice as well. Examples include oat bran,


oatmeal, beans, peas, rice bran, barley, and


even apple pulp.




Whenever you are looking for healthy food choices,


always make sure you read the nutrition label


or information about the food. You can then


determine what the food contains and how healthy


it truly is for your body. By taking your time


and making your healthy food choices wisely,


you'll have a lifetime to enjoy the foods that


will take care of you.