What is healthy eating?

July 14th, 2008 at 11:47am Betsy A. Hornick, MS, RD

Ask 10 people what healthy eating means and you’ll likely hear 10 different answers. For some, it may mean avoiding too much fat or sugar and for others it may mean eating mostly plant foods. Regardless, healthy eating is an ongoing goal for most of us. We all have days when we go overboard with eating or when we fall short on food groups, such as vegetables (other than fries!). Fortunately, healthy eating is not an all or nothing proposition.

As a registered dietitian, I try to model healthy eating, but even I have days when I go astray. My eating philosophy is about balance and moderation. While some people eat to live, I am a person who lives to eat. I love trying new recipes and creating and enjoying great tasting, healthy food. But I also love finishing a great meal with something sweet, a habit that comes from growing up in a family that rarely skipped dessert. That’s where balancing the foods I eat and keeping watch on portions comes into play. Here are my personal strategies for healthy eating:       

• Try your best to eat a variety of foods each day, especially those packed with essential nutrients, including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean meats, fish, poultry, cooked dry beans, nuts, and seeds. If you don’t meet your goals today, there’s always tomorrow. It’s okay to balance what you eat over several days.
• Remember that all foods can be a part of a healthy eating style. If your favorite foods are high in fat, salt, sugar, and calories, simply limit how often you eat them, eat smaller servings, or look for healthy substitutes.
• Balance what you eat with what you do. Whether you’re trying to lose weight or maintain weight, being physically active is an essential part of the equation. You’ll also reap other benefits that can make a huge difference in your overall health and well-being.

My goal in writing this blog is to offer practical ways to eat healthier. I will share tips and recipes as well as interpret the latest food and nutrition news so you can understand how and if it applies to you. Your comments and suggestions for topics are always welcome.

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