A healthy diet requires some planning and purpose and an effort to include a variety of foods in your meals. If you look closely at how you eat, you might find you aren't getting enough nutrients because you don't get the recommended number of servings from each food group. Although there is some debate about the best formula for a healthy diet, most experts agree that the most important elements of healthful eating are:
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To eat a daily diet that helps you either lose weight or keep your weight in the range that is considered "healthy" or "ideal" for your height and gender
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To choose a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, and moderate in total fat intake
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To eat foods high in fiber
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To reduce the number of calories in your diet that come from processed sugars
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To choose and prepare foods with less salt
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Watch intake of sugar, alcohol, saturated fat and trans fat
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To drink the daily recommended amount of water: 8 to 10 cups (64 to 80 ounces) of water a day
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If you drink alcoholic beverages, drink them in moderation (no more than one drink per day for women and no more than two drinks per day for men)
Resources for Nutritional Information
American Dietetic Association: Helpful tips and information that promote good health and nutrition
Eat Well Guide: Free online directory of sustainably raised meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs from farms, stores, and restaurants in the United States and Canada
Free Dieting.com: Tips, guides, nutrition FAQ, and calculators for daily calorie needs, body mass index, ideal body weight, body fat percentage
Healthy Options Buffalo: Nutritional information about menu options at Western New York area restaurants, a calorie counter and tips for making healthy choices when dining out
Local Harvest: Directory of organic and locally grown food and local events and opportunities
Massachusetts Avenue Project & Growing Green: Details regarding Buffalo'sseasonal urban farm, youth-run enterprise, farm to school initiative, mobile market and various community educational events
Medline Plus: From the National Institute of Health, nutrition tips and information on various food groups
Nutrition.gov: Nutrition articles, dietary guidelines, food pyramid information, and tools to determine calories and nutrients in foods
U.S. Department of Agriculture: A customized eating plan that is right for you based on the elements of the food pyramid
Vegetarian Resource Group: Support and resources for vegetarians, including recipes and restaurant information