Everyone knows that it is beneficial to eat healthy foods. Doctors and fitness experts encourage this. The problem comes in the difficulty of choosing from the variety of food and in determining how much of them one should eat every day. This article will present to you a formula that makes planning a healthier diet a lot easier.

Grains

Grains such as wheat and oats contain soluble fiber. Soluble fiber promotes regular bowel movement and has an added benefit of making you feel fuller, thus making you eat less. Try to include 6 ounces of fiber daily. A cup of cereal contains an ounce as does a slice of whole grain bread.

Vegetables

Everyone knows that eating lots of vegetables are good for you. They contain vitamins, fiber and antioxidants. When choosing your vegetables, choose not only from the different vegetables but from its different colors as well. Choose the dark green variety like spinach, broccoli and romaine lettuce. Orange vegetables like carrots, pumpkins and sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A and antioxidants. Try to include 2 1/2 cups of vegetables daily.

Fruits

Fruits also provide us with vitamins, fibers and antioxidants. It is best to eat fresh fruit, but you can also eat them canned, dried or frozen. Fruit juice can also be used, but remember to take just a little as they can be high in sugar. Include 2 cups of fruit daily.

Milk

Milk contains calcium, an important mineral that our bodies need. People who are trying to lose weight should buy low fat or fat-free varieties. You can also take yogurt and foods and beverages fortified with calcium. If you have a dairy intolerance, look for products that are lactose-free. Adults should include 3 cups of milk daily, while children between the ages of 2 – 8, should drink 2 cups daily.

Beans and Meat

Beans and meat provide the body with protein, which helps to build strong muscles. Avoid frying meat to keep fat consumption at a minimum. Instead, broil or grill them. Substitute meat with beans, such as peas and kidney beans, to help lower the fat consumption in your diet. Include 5 ounces of protein per day.

In addition, be sure to avoid or limit the intake of solid fats, such as those found in butter, margarine and lard. Despite being a tasty additive, they raise the cholesterol.

Get into the habit of reading the labels on packaged foods so you can monitor the amount of sodium and saturated fats in the foods that you buy.

Carefully choose what you include in your diet and you can be sure that your body is getting what it needs to stay active and healthy.