Eating Right
- Kristin Connelly

Eating healthy is no simple business these days. Seems like every time you turn on the news, there's some scientist telling you your favorite snack causes cancer. And remember your old low fat best friend, Mr. Pasta? Well, now it seems he’s just another high carb nemesis to add to the list.

But the next time you find yourself launching into a panic attack at the mere mention of the words "Atkins " or "South Beach," stop, take a deep breath and repeat these words: “There is more to life than losing weight.” In fact, there are many other reasons to eat healthy. Think: more energy and preventing major diseases.

Here are a few tips to staying in shape, not tricks, ploys or secrets. They aren't going to make you lose four sizes in a flash or keep you looking young forever. But following these good old-fashioned, tried-and-true healthy eating tips will surely help you feel (and thus look) great.

An Apple a Day

You've heard it all your life, but indeed, it is true. If you had to change one thing about your diet, eating more fruits and vegetables should be it. Experts recommend that people eat at least five servings per day, but only one in five Americans are meeting that requirement. Two-thirds of Americans are overweight and almost one third are considered obese. Surveys show that people who eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables have the lowest rates of obesity.

Eating lots of different kinds of fruits and vegetables can provide extreme health benefits – like reducing your risk for cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. When choosing which fruits and vegetables to eat, think lots of color. Each color contains different kinds of phytochemicals, natural compounds that can keep diseases away.

Got Calcium?

No bones about it, now is the time to prevent osteoporosis, a disease that weakens bones and is a particularly common problem for women. To prevent osteoporosis, you need to eat plenty of calcium and vitamin D. Experts recommend that young women get about 1200 milligrams of calcium daily. Sounds like a lot, but just three dairy products a day, like milk, yogurt, and cheese, should do it. Lactose intolerant? Not to worry. What many people don't know is that you can also find calcium in tofu, leafy greens, and some vegetables, like broccoli. While it is best to get your calcium from foods that naturally contain it, many food manufacturers have added this beneficial mineral to other products, such as orange juice and certain cereals.

Break the Fast

Who has time for breakfast anymore between work, classes, bills, and other stress? It's a common excuse, but hear me now – make time for breakfast! People who eat breakfast generally eat fewer calories throughout the day because they don’t overeat later. Plus, they often have an easier time squeezing in all those needed foods and nutrients. And some studies show that people who eat breakfast are more alert and creative throughout the day.

By "breakfast," I don't mean a candy bar and soda. For a quick meal, try a piece of whole grain toast with peanut butter and sliced bananas. Yogurt with crunchy cereal and fresh or dried fruit is also a delicious way to get a healthy start.

Stop whining, Start dining

Remember when eating healthy meant stuffing that last soggy brussel sprout into your mouth to avoid being sent to your room after dinner? It doesn't have to be that way. Eating should never be considered a chore or an added stress factor; it should be a relaxing and enjoyable pleasure. Even if you are trying to cut back and lose weight or add more fruits and vegetables to your diet, have fun with it.

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