Wellness Your Way: Balanced Eating for the New Year
If you�ve ever worked with a dietitian, you�ve likely heard the term �balanced eating� mentioned once or twice. This is a welcome adage amongst the typical new year�s resolution speak, which is often focused around restrictive dieting and radical changes in eating and lifestyle. On the contrary, dietitians believe in a holistic view of food, understanding that we have access to a myriad of foods which can support our health while also allowing us to enjoy our favorite flavors. Here are a few tips to how dietitians define balanced eating, and how we can help you get there:
Look for foods that do more for you. We live in an era of �functional foods,� where beneficial ingredients are added to foods, giving them an additional nutrition advantage. Examples of functional foods include those containing fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, or even probiotics. For instance, Activia yogurt contains an exclusive probiotic that helps support digestive health*, while also containing the yogurt nutritional components you typically expect, including the vitamins and minerals found in dairy. This is a product that�s a �win� on the road towards balanced eating.
Combine foods for steady energy. Different food groups support health in their own unique ways. For instance, carbohydrates from foods like fruits, vegetables, and grains provide quick, usable energy, while proteins help slow the blood glucose response and are used to build new tissues. Mixed foods like yogurt, milk, nuts, and others provide both protein and carbohydrates, making them great snack options. Each plate should have a balance of various food groups including fruits, veggies, grains, lean proteins, and non-fat or low fat dairy.
Don�t give up on your favorite flavors. Deprivation is the enemy of balanced eating. You don�t have to swear off sweets or salty snacks to eat healthfully. There are many tools at your disposal to satisfy cravings while keeping nutrition in the forefront. One strategy is to simply savor smaller portions of your favorite foods. Another option is to use healthful alternatives to re-create your favorites. For example, you may enjoy a more indulgent flavor of yogurt, utilize fruit-based treats, or combine the two for an elegant parfait. *ACTIVIA� MAY HELP REDUCE THE FREQUENCY OF MINOR DIGESTIVE DISCOMFORT when consumed twice a day for two weeks as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Minor digestive discomfort includes bloating, gas, abdominal discomfort & rumbling.
Content sponsored by Dannon.