A-B-C for Good Health

Eating is a social event, which gives some of life's greatest pleasures. Aiming for good health to live a healthy life can lead to absolute joy. There are many ways to achieve good health. Building a healthy eating habit and lifestyle combined with regular physical activity is the key to achieving this goal. A healthy weight prolongs a healthy life. Obesity or being overweight is a major risk factor for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, breathing problems and certain types of cancer. A healthy eating habit does not require expensive foods. There are many foods that carry a variety of nutrients needed by the body for growth, maintenance and repair.

Aim for Fitness

Regular physical activity is an important component to stay fit.

• Aim for a healthy weight
• Be physically active each day

Build a Healthy Base

Building a healthy eating habit at an early stage in life through adulthood is very essential in preventing illness and reducing risk of chronic diseases. The Food Guide Pyramid is a perfect guide to make wise food choices. By taking extra steps to keep your food safe to eat, you can enjoy a very nutritious and fresh meal.

• Let the Pyramid guide your food choices
• Eat a variety of grains daily, especially whole grains
• Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables daily
• Keep food safe to eat

Choose Sensibly

These guidelines help you make wise choices for good health and disease prevention. Choose a variety of foods that you can enjoy. This includes watching your limits on fat, saturated fat, cholesterol, sugars, salt (sodium) and alcohol. The information on the food labels can also keep you well informed of what you are buying.

• Choose a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol and moderate in total fat.
• Choose beverages and foods that limit your intake of sugars
• Choose and prepare foods with less salt
• If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation

-- Ofelia B. Mutia, M.S.,R.D.,L.D.

Resources and Acknowledgments

1. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
2. U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)
3. Food Guide Pyramid - U.S. Department of Agriculture