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Watch those calories

Don't subsist only on high-calorie foods that have little nutritional value

EAT RIGHT It will help you stay fit

Most people want to be healthy. And most people know that in order to be healthy, they need to eat nutritious foods. But with work, families and busy schedules, it is often easier to grab a couple of candy bars than to take time to sit down to a nutritious meal. However, eating right is not as difficult as it seems.

The first thing you need to do is get rid of that all-or-nothing thinking.

Eating a nutritious diet does not mean eating plain yoghurt, raw tofu and lima beans for the rest of your life. Neither do you have to swear off candy bars and cookies. But you certainly don't want to subsist only on high-calorie foods that have little nutritional value because, among other things, they are sure to expand your waistline and clog your arteries.

Keep in mind that "healthy" foods are not special foods that you have to buy at special stores.

Everyday foods

They are everyday foods like bananas, sweet potatoes, fish, chicken, baked beans, low-fat milk, raisin bran, peanut butter, almonds, and so on. Think of how good fresh strawberries or a cold glass of orange juice taste; or stir-fried chicken mixed with crisp vegetables and sesame oil. What about a piece of seasoned, grilled salmon and a warm sweet potato topped with a little butter?

So what is important is you can eat right without sacrificing taste.

Another thing, you don't have to spend a lot of time preparing elaborate meals or snacks. It is just as easy to grab a banana or a handful of nuts as it is to grab a candy bar. In less time than it takes to drive for fast food, you can scramble a couple of eggs and roll them in a spinach wrap and top it with salsa. There are a lot of quick and easy ways to prepare nutritious meals.

It's okay to include goodies in your diet, too. It wouldn't be any fun having to go through life never eating a piece of chocolate or an ice-cream cone. The word here, though, is control. You know, don't eat chocolate bars morning, noon, and night. Otherwise, your health will suffer the consequences.

Here are a few things to keep in mind as you start making dietary changes:

Variety: It is the spice of life. So don't eat the same old thing over and over. For one, it's boring. For another, you are not as likely to get all the nutrients you need. Eating a wide variety of foods helps you take in all the important substances the body requires.

Portion control: Ask yourself, do you really need that giant-sized order of fries. Serving sizes have become increasingly huge over the years. It may seem like you are getting a great deal, but remember, those extra calories end up going somewhere.

Health: Your food choices greatly impact your health and well-being. Sometimes it is hard to think about that when you are frazzled and in a hurry, but your health is worth any extra effort it may take to eat right.

(Courtesy: New York Times)

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