Eat a balanced diet

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Eat a balanced diet

A balanced diet is important for physical and emotional health. Here are some ideas to help you eat well:

• Choose foods that are low in fat and high in carbohydrates and fiber.
• Drink eight glasses of water each day.
• Eat small snacks rather than large meals. Eat six small snacks a day. Examples of healthy snacks include:
  • A piece of fruit with a few crackers and one piece of cheese.
  • Yogurt or cottage cheese with a piece of fruit.
  • A breakfast bar with a glass of milk.
  • One or two carrots or stalks of celery with peanut butter or cream cheese.
• If you have a tendency to gain weight:
  • Space the times you eat and drink throughout the day.
  • Eat and drink slowly and don't do anything else, such as watch TV, while you are eating.
  • Put your food on a smaller plate.
  • Drink one glass of water a half-hour before each meal.
  • Eat foods that are low in calories, such as fruits and vegetables.
• Take daily vitamins if you have not been eating a balanced diet.
• Add extra fiber to your diet, and drink juices, particularly prune juice, if you get constipated easily or are taking a medication known to cause constipation.

Some medications may require you to change your diet. Talk with your health professional or pharmacist about whether the medications you take require any changes in your diet.

Credits

Last updated:	March 21, 2007
Author:	Ralph Poore
Reviewed By:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine, Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC