Healthy Eating Plan Comparison
SCI 241 The Science of Nutrition
February 8, 2009
I am firm non-dieter. I believe that it is important to choose a healthy eating program that you can stick with for life. Dieting simply produces a yo-yo effect. Yes, you may lose weight, but how long until it is back. Eat healthy, drink plenty of water, exercise daily and get plenty of rest.
It is important to know how many calories you actually need to maintain your weight. Many of us actually do not get enough calories. Our body therefore thinks we are starving it and hard as we may try the pounds will not come off. Use this tool to Estimate Your Calorie Needs. Also see the handy Nutrition Calculator to figure how many fat grams you need in your daily diet.
Of course it is also important to eat the right foods. Use the USDA Food Pyramid as a simple guide to healthy eating. Follow the pyramid and you'll give your body the nutrients it needs to thrive while keeping calories, fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sugar and sodium amounts where they should be. One reason busy, stressed people tend to gain weight is that they more often eat fast food, or go out to eat. This is understandable; after a busy day running around, you may not have time to come home and cook something from scratch. But healthy eating at home can help you stave off extra pounds when stressed, as meals you make are usually much better for you. (They’re healthier than fast food, and usually the portions are smaller and lower in fat than what you find in a restaurant.) Cooking at home can save you money, too, which may indirectly decrease your stress level by putting you under less financial strain. It may seem like a daunting task to come home and cook after a long day, but it’s easier than you think. Here’s a healthy eating plan to help you eat more meals at home:
• Plan Ahead:An important first step in a healthy eating plan is to go grocery shopping once a week, and plan the week’s meals when you...