Eat Well…How Healthy Eating Helps

The Basic Ingredients

Following some basic nutrition suggestions can boost your energy, mood and overall wellness. Here are some tips:

• Consider Uncle Sam's recipe. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which builds the food pyramid, says a healthy diet
  • emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat dairy products
  • includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts
  • is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugars

See mypyramid.gov. You'll find a food tracker, menu planner and other tools.

• Don't skip meals.
• Snack well.
• Work on your balance.
• Don't over-diet.
• Be carb smart.
• Reduce saturated fat and cholesterol.
• Limit alcohol.
• Cut back on caffeine

Good nutrition can help at times of stress, but that's exactly when lots of us tend to eat less well. According to a recent survey nearly half of Americans overeat or eat unhealthy food to cope with stress. In fact, it's not just that we're seeking creamy comfort—our stress hormones actually give us the munchies. If you follow some reasonable guidelines you may be able to reduce your stress and promote your overall health and well-being.  So here’s to your health….have a healthy day.

 This message is brought to you as part of the “Healthy Minds/Healthy Bodies” educational campaign sponsored by Beatrice Community Hospital Gage County PATCH..   For further information and resources, contact Sharon Langvardt, MS, LIMHP, CMFT, Blue Valley Behavioral Health and Beatrice Hospital PATCH coordinator (402) 228-3386 or slangvardt@bvbh.net or slangvardt@bchhc.org

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