It surprises me that so many clients ask this question. Regardless of whether you have been diagnosed with diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or you are simply trying to lose weight, the food choices you make are fairly the same in order to eat and maintain a healthy diet. Below are some tips to help with making good choice when choosing when and how to eat.
SCHEDULE EATING:
The most beneficial way to eat well is to have a regular eating schedule. This means eating within an hour of waking and every 3-5 hours after that. If it is convenient, eating 3 meals with a small snack in between can keep your energy up and help you avoid getting that starved feeling. If that is not realistic, at least plan to eat 3 meals and only have a snack when you are going longer than 4 hours between meals and know you will be hungry. For example, if your lunch is at noon and your dinner hour is 6 PM or later, 4 or 5 PM probably starve you. It is appropriate for you to have a snack to stave off hunger.
KEEP IT BALANCED:
A balanced meal has a source of protein, starchy vegetable or a grain (preferably a whole grain) and either a serving of a fruit or vegetable -or one of each. Fats and oils can be added in small amounts to enhance the meal. Balanced meals keep you full longer and help you feel more satisfied.
INCLUDE DAILY:
The following are the recommended amounts of each food group to include daily for adequate nutrition. Portions vary depending on ones age and sex. Amounts recommended daily are: fruits 1-2 cups, vegetables 1-3 cups a day, grains, 1 1/2 to 4 ounces, dairy 2 to 3 eight-ounce cups, protein (animal or vegetable) 2 oz. to 6 1/2 ounces, liquids oils 3 to 7 teaspoons. To learn what amount is appropriate for your age and sex, go to www.myplate.gov. If you have specific needs to manage diagnosis like diabetes, check with your registered dietitian to learn the best choices from these groups and the amounts appropriate for you.
SELECT HEALTHY SNACKS:
One should think of a snack as a “mini meal”. It should contain foods to hold you over to the next meal and also supply you with nutrients, not just “empty calories.”
The best foods for snacks are foods with fiber (fruits, vegetables, whole grains) and at times foods that have a small amount of protein to go along with it. A few examples are: a piece of fruit and 1 oz. cheese, whole grain crackers and 1 Tbsp peanut butter, or raw veggies and 1/4 cup humus.
Even with a diagnosed medical problem, snacks can be included. You would want to discuss snacks appropriate for your needs when you meet with your registered dietitian.
ENJOY TREATS ON OCCASION:
These are foods with little nutritional value, but ones you may enjoy occasionally. They would include cookies, chips, candy, and frozen desserts. The best way to include them in your diet is to have a serving at the end of a meal. If you are trying to lose weight, choose them less often and choose treats with fewer calories per serving. Most health problems requiring a special diet can include some type of treat food occasionally. If this is important to you, discuss it with your registered dietitian at your appointment.