A well-balanced diet, comprised of a variety of foods, adequately meets women”’s needs for vitamins, minerals and energy. For good health, women need to pay special attention to calcium, iron and folate (folic acid) intake. A healthy diet also should minimize the intake of fat and sugar. Diets high in saturated or trans fat can promote high levels of blood cholesterol and increase risk for heart disease. A diet that includes high sugar provides empty calories, or calories that do not provide any nutritional value and often times replace more nutritious food selections.
Here are some more suggestions for healthy eating.
- Eat a variety of foods.
- Balance the food you eat with physical activity. Maintain a healthy body weight.
- Choose a diet with plenty of whole-grain products, vegetables and fruits.
- Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol.
- Choose a diet moderate in sugars.
- Choose a diet moderate in salt and sodium.
- If you drink alcoholic beverages, do so in moderation.
