No Bad Foods

When it comes to adopting an all foods in moderation approach to eating, forget labeling foods as good or bad. Foods such as cakes, cookies, hot dogs and pizza that contain solid fats and added sugars are scorned from diets as empty calories. These types of foods may taste good, but are high in calories and have few or no nutrients. These foods aren’t going to benefit our bodies, however, restricting ourselves from them can lead to feelings of deprivation when we don’t get what we want.

A small amount of empty calories is okay. What’s important is to develop an overall approach to eating that includes healthy, good tasting foods. It also means to practice balance and moderation.

Healthy diets can be enjoyable and they don’t have to include giving up all the foods you love. Focus on making overall healthy choices, by realizing that every single meal is not going to strictly meet those guidelines. Adopting a total diet approach such as MyPlate or the DASH Diet and paying attention to nutrition labeling can allow you to fit in your favorite foods without putting on the extra pounds.

For an overall healthy diet, try:

  • Not to be too restricting of specific foods.
  • Filling up on fruits and vegetables.
  • Choosing lean protein.
  • Making at least half your grains whole.
  • Adding calcium-rich foods.