Ruth's Nutrition Notes

by Ruth Cuzzort, Registered Dietitian

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Changing to a Healthy Diet

Though it may seem complex, healthy eating is really a simple matter. In a nutshell, it means eating a more plant based diet-more vegetables, fruits, beans, and whole grains. Also, some seafood, poultry, and low fat dairy products. The goal is to try to get more of your fats from plants (vegetable oils and nuts) and fish, not animals (meats, milk, cheese, ice cream).

You should eat fewer sweets and fried foods, and less candy. That includes liquid candy, SOFT DRINKS! Salt and cholesteral should also be reduced.

Here are some Tips:

Take Inventory: Overhaul you refrigerator and pantry. Get rid of the junk-the greasy ground beef, sugary soft drinks, and the fatty pastries.

Experiment: Try new grains and beans, and unusual vegetables. Stock a variety of fresh fruits.

Cook: Start using some delicious easy to prepare recipes. Try a new cooking light cook book. Find recipes you like. If healthy eating isn't as pleasurable as what it's replacing, you won't stick with it. If cooking isn't for you, shop for the most healthful packaged and fresh prepared foods.

Eat Out Less: Restaurant food is almost always high in calories, fat, and salt.

Switch At Your Own Pace: some people can overhaul their diet over a period of months or years, while others have done it almost overnight. There's no right or wrong. The important thing is to do it at your own pace.

Doctors' Memorial Hospital is a 48-bed not-for-profit acute care facility, which has been serving the North Florida communities of Taylor, Madison, Dixie, and Lafayette counties since 1957.

Copyright © 2003 Doctors' Memorial Hospital, Inc.

Ruth's Nutrition Notes

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