The ingredients of a healthy diet

While there is no one nutritional diet that works for everyone, there are recommended nutritional elements for the general population. Depending on your age and medical conditions, your dietary plan may need adjustments. Talk with your physician to find a personalized nutrition plan that would work best for you.

Your plate should look like My Plate

The USDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend following their My Plate guidelines when preparing each meal. The plate is divided into food group sections with varying sizes depending on the amount of each food you should aim to eat. There are five main food groups you need to consume to receive proper nutrition.

Vegetables

Vegetables are chock full of vitamins and minerals and also contain fiber and protein. They give you the nutrients your body craves without the calories and fat of other less healthy choices. Eating plenty of vegetables can help lower your risk for chronic diseases, like diabetes and heart disease.

Experts recommend adults eat 2.5 to 3 cups of veggies daily. Unfortunately, American adults eat less than 1.5 cups a day on average. Need help visualizing a cup of vegetables? A one cup serving of vegetables is equal to:

• 2 large celery stalks
• 1 large bell pepper
• 1 large baked sweet potato
• 1 medium baked white potato
• 3 5-inch broccoli spears
• 12 baby carrots or 2 medium carrots
• 1 8-inch ear of corn

It is best to eat a colorful variety of vegetables every day. The distinctive color of each vegetable gives you a clue into what nutrients are in each. Dark leafy greens, like spinach, are full of vitamin A and folic acid. Red vegetables, like red bell pepper, have lots of vitamins C and A.

You don't have to stick with common veggies like potatoes, lettuce, and tomatoes. Expand your palate with butternut squash, cassava, or sugar beets.

Grains

Experts recommend eating between 5 and 8 ounces of grain daily, and at least half of those ounces should be whole grain. Whole grains contain the entire grain kernel while refined grains are milled to remove the bran and germ of the kernel. Americans are not getting enough whole grain; only 8% of adults are consuming at least 3 ounces a day, and 40% claim not to eat any whole grain.

One ounce of whole grain is equivalent to:

• ½ cup of cooked oatmeal, barley, or brown rice
• 1 slice of whole-wheat bread
• 3 cups of popped popcorn

Whole grains in particular are excellent sources of essential nutrients. They contain magnesium for bone health, selenium for immune system support, and fiber for digestion and weight management.

Check nutrition labels at the grocery store to see if the foods you are purchasing are whole-grain. Remember, products that are labeled "multigrain" and "whole wheat" do not necessarily mean that they are whole grain.

Protein

You should aim to eat 5 to 6.5 ounces of protein every day. This amount may vary based on your level of physical activity.

Protein is not only found in meat; you can get your fill with beans, peas, and nuts, to name a few sources. When deciding on what source of protein to eat, go for lean meats and low-fat options. Choose a variety of protein products to eat each week. It is also recommended to eat at least 8 ounces of cooked seafood a week unless you are vegetarian.

One ounce of protein is equivalent to:

• 1 egg
• ¼ cup of cooked beans or peas
• 2 tablespoons of hummus
• 1 tablespoon of peanut butter
• 1 sandwich slice of turkey
• 1 ounce of meat, poultry, or seafood

Fruits

Experts recommend eating 1.5 to 2 cups of fruit each day. Only 13% of Americans consume the daily recommended amount of fruit. What's even worse is 39% of Americans entirely pass up fruit each day.

One cup of fruit is equivalent to:

• 1 small apple
• 32 seedless grapes
• 1 large orange
• 8 large strawberries
• 1 medium pear
• 1 large peach
• 1 large banana
• ½ cup of dried fruit
• 1 cup of fruit juice

As with vegetables, it's important to eat a colorful variety of fruits to get a variety of nutrients. There are many different fruits in the world, and chances are you have yet to try them all.

Dairy

Dairy products give you the calcium to support your bone health and strengthen your teeth. Food made from milk that retains its calcium content or is calcium-fortified is part of the dairy food group. Everyone should aim to consume 3 cups of dairy every day. Even if you are lactose intolerant, you can get your fill of dairy through lactose-free dairy products.

One cup of dairy is equivalent to:

• 1 cup of milk
• 1 cup of yogurt
• 1.5 ounces of hard cheese
• 2 cups of cottage cheese
• ⅓ cup of shredded cheese
• ½ cups of ricotta cheese
• 1 cup of calcium-fortified soymilk

When deciding on dairy products, go for fat-free or low-fat items that are high in calcium.

Be sure to also exercise daily to complement your nutritious diet for overall health. Make an appointment with a primary care physician to receive a dietary consultation and personalized nutrition plan.

Sources:
ChooseMyPlate.gov
How to Add Whole Grains to Your Diet
Only 1 in 10 Americans Eats Enough Fruits and Veggies: CDC