What Is a Healthy Diet?

Did you know…?

According to the American Diabetes Association, 25 percent of African Americans between the ages of 65 and 74 have diabetes.

A healthy diet is a way of eating that reduces risk for complications such as heart disease and stroke. Healthy eating includes eating a wide variety of foods including vegetables, whole grains, fruits, non-fat dairy products, beans, lean meats, poultry, and fish. There is no one perfect food so including a variety of different foods and watching portion sizes is key to a healthy diet. Also, make sure your choices from each food group provide the highest quality nutrients you can find. In other words, pick foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber over those that are processed.

The whole family can eat and enjoy the same foods as people with diabetes. Everyone benefits from healthy eating. It takes some planning but you can fit your favorite foods into your meal plan and still manage your blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol.¹

Reference:

American Diabetes Association. “Diabetes Meal Plans and a Healthy Diet.” http://www.diabetes.org/food-and-fitness/food/planning-meals/diabetes-meal-plans-and-a-healthy-diet.html. Last accessed June 3, 2010.