Wellness Wednesday: Building a Balanced Diet for a Healthier Life

Welcome to another Wellness Wednesday! Today, let’s talk about eating right to keep your body strong. Think of food as fuel for your body – it helps you do the things you love. We’re sharing some easy tips to make sure your body gets what it needs. 

Eat More Fruits and Veggies

Fruits and veggies are essential for your body. Try to eat at least 5 servings a day. They have vitamins and minerals that keep you strong and healthy. 

Watch How Much You Eat

You can still enjoy your favorite foods, just be mindful of how much. Use smaller plates and measuring tools to help control how much you eat.   

Plan Your Meals

Planning your meals ahead of time can be a big help. Make your meals for the week on a day like Sunday. It saves time, money, and even calories. Plus, you’ll have tasty homemade meals ready when you’re hungry.

Choose Lean Proteins

Foods like beans, chicken, Greek yogurt, salmon, and cottage cheese are good choices. They help your muscles and body stay strong.

Limit Sweet Treats

It’s totally okay to enjoy a sweet treat now and then. That chocolate chip cookie or a scoop of ice cream won’t hurt. Just remember to keep it to one or two treats a day to satisfy your cravings without going overboard. 

Make Smarter Snack Choices

Healthy snacks will give you the mid-day energy boost you need. Our favorite healthy snacks are trail mix, yogurt, string cheese, and hummus with pita bread. 

Having a balanced eating plan is simple. Limit sweets, eat more fruits and veggies, control portions, plan your meals, and pick lean proteins. These small changes add up to a healthier you. Remember, Wellness Wednesday is about taking little steps toward being healthier. Start with one or two of these tips, and soon, they’ll be healthy habits that make you feel great. Food is fuel, and a balanced eating plan keeps you strong and happy! For more help creating a healthy eating plan that works for you, contact our Nutrition Services team by visiting Nutrition Services – Henry J. Austin Health Center (henryjaustin.org).  

A special thank you to Susan A. Jones, Henry J Austin Health Center’s Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, along with Marion Reinson and Maria “Adi” Benito, MD, of “Eating for Your Health”, a nonprofit that takes nutrition out of the clinic and into the kitchen, where real change happens. To learn more, visit https://www.eatingforyourhealth.org/content/learn. 

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