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A healthy diet is a meal plan designed to help improve or maintain a healthy body. A healthy diet can be achieved by eating within the recommended servings for each food group.

A healthy diet includes fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and includes little to no processed food and sweetened beverages. The requirements for a healthy diet can be met from a variety of plant-based and animal-based foods, although a non-animal source of vitamin B12 is needed for those following a vegan diet. Various nutrition guides are published by medical and governmental institutions to educate individuals on what they should be eating to be healthy. Nutrition facts labels are also mandatory in some countries to allow consumers to choose between foods based on the components relevant to health.

A healthy lifestyle includes getting exercise every day along with eating a healthy diet. A healthy lifestyle may lower disease risks, such as obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and cancer.

There are specialized healthy diets, called medical nutrition therapy, for people with various diseases or conditions. There are also prescientific ideas about such specialized diets, as in dietary therapy in traditional Chinese medicine.

Food groups in healthy diets:
Healthy Diets are composed mainly of foods found in these five food groups :


 * Fruits: Fruits come in a variety of shapes and colors, and typically contain seeds. Fruits include apples, citrus, berries, and many others . They are an excellent source of dietary fiber and contain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C, folate, and potassium, which help protect against illness . In order to ensure proper nutrition, be sure to consume different types of fruit in various colors, as each one provides different health benefits . The recommended serving of fruit per day is 1 to 2 cups, depending on each individual.
 * Vegetables: Vegetables come in many forms including leafy greens, roots, peppers, and much more. They come in a range of colors which provide many similar nutrients as fruit, but also contain magnesium, vitamin K and fiber . Vegetables are low calorie, however, they still contain all the nutrition your diet requires. Incorporating more vegetables in your diet can provide protection against things like heart disease, high cholesterol, and even some illnesses . The recommended serving for vegetables per day is about 1 to 2 cups, depending on each individual.
 * Protein: Many foods contain protein, however, higher protein is typically found in meats and some dairy products. Foods like beef, pork, chicken, and even various seafood are a great source of protein . Proteins can provide plenty of daily recommended vitamins, including vitamin B, vitamin D, iron, and even omega-3 . Protein provides the body with energy and sustenance, keeping you full and satisfied . Though protein is crucial in any diet, monitor your protein intake and make sure it does not contain too much fat, as this could raise cholesterol levels and lead to heart conditions and other complications . The recommended serving of protein per day is about 2 to 6 ounces, depending on each individual.
 * Dairy: Cheese, milk, and yogurt are some of the items that can be found in the dairy group . Dairy foods contain vitamins A and D as well as potassium, protein, and calcium, which are beneficial for bone maintenance and overall health . While dairy is a great source for nutrients, not every individual is able to consume it, due to dietary restrictions. Dairy substitutes like almond milk, for instance, provide many of the same vitamins and minerals that dairy products do . The recommended serving of daily per day is about 2 to 3 cups, depending on each individual.
 * Grains: Grains make up foods like pastas, oatmeal, rice, bread, and even some cereals . They play a key role in a well balanced diet by aiding the digestion process, lowering blood sugar, and maintaining cholesterol . Grains typically come in two forms: whole grains and refined grains . Refined grains are processed, leaving out much of the fiber element. Whole grains, however, utilize all parts of the grain, making it more beneficial . The recommended serving for grains per day is about 3 to 8 ounces, while being sure to make half of your consumption whole grain.