How to Choose a Healthy Diet

A healthy diet is the cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. Healthy eating can help prevent the onset of many chronic conditions including cancer, diabetes and hypertension. It can also help treat some conditions and improve symptoms. Following a specially designed diet can also help you manage an ailment or condition more effectively.

The fat content in a fruit, vegetable or a legume is important when it comes to determining what type of diet to follow. A diet high in fat is unhealthy for the heart. Fat is essential for keeping your skin and your cells healthy and functioning properly. Avocados are very high in fiber and low in fat. Because of this, it is considered to be a very good dietary fiber.

Vegetables and fruits that are high in fiber are considered to be low in fat. Low-fat vegetables and fruits include, cabbage, lettuce, cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage. Lean beef, chicken, turkey and fish are considered to be high in protein. Vegetables and fruits that are high in protein include: beans, peas, low-fat dairy products, tofu, cabbage, beans, tomatoes, cabbage and green leafy vegetables.

Diets that are rich in water, vitamins and minerals are considered to be a balanced diet. Many people do not get enough water, especially as they grow older. A balanced diet includes plenty of water and it helps make sure that you get all the vitamins and minerals that you need. Some foods and drinks that are high in these important minerals and vitamins include: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, yogurt, meats, eggs, dairy products and low-fat dairy products.

Meats, dairy products and protein are all important in a healthy diet. You should make sure that you are getting enough of these foods every day. When choosing meats, try to choose lean cuts. When choosing dairy products, go for low-fat or skim versions. Lean meats and lean cuts of meat contain less fat than those that are considered to be full-fat.

Vegetables and fruits that are high in fiber, vitamins and minerals are known as low-fat, high-fiber foods. These include: beans, peas, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, leafy greens, carrots, spinach, cabbage and collard greens. Fruits that are high in fiber include: apples, grapes, bananas, oranges, strawberries and pears. Watermelon and citrus fruits are good sources of vitamin C. Foods that are high in vitamin C include: oranges, tomatoes, salmon and tuna. Getting all of the nutrients that you need is important when following any type of diet, including an active one such as the Mediterranean diet.