How to eat for health

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If you have been with me since the start of this year (or longer) you will have learned a bit about the different food groups, portion sizes and GI values. But this doesn't necessarily guide you to making healthier food choices.

Weight management is difficult enough - especially as we get older - and putting yourself on a restricted regimen only leads to depression, dissatisfaction and disillusionment. So dump the doomed diet discipline. Eating for health still comes down to having controlled portions of a wide variety of foods from all the different food groups - with the emphasis on vegetables and fruit. Eliminating foods you normally enjoy is not the way to go - a little of what you fancy does you good, and stops you feeling deprived.

To eat for health, we need to focus on nutritious foods in healthy quantities, for ourselves and our family.

Eating habits and food preferences are formed from a very young age. They are influenced by race, religion, culture, ethics, economics, health and climate. They should also be influenced by a little knowledge of what is sound nutritional value and what the body requires.

Body requirements are pretty much covered by portion control. I covered recommended portion sizes and healthy nutrition when I discussed the different food groups. What I didn't cover was the number of portions and portion sizes for children. I’ll go into that on Monday.

For a quick review of the food groups / portion sizes, go here.

Enjoy your weekend.
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