Building a Healthy Eating Lifestyle
by Ngozi Osuagwu, MD | January 24th, 2016
Last week I did something out of character. At work we were having a ‘send- off’ potluck for one of my colleagues. It was her last day at work. In preparation for the potluck, there was a sign-up sheet. Usually I sign up for the paper products, but it was too late, someone had already signed up for those items. The only item left on the sheet was soda or as they call it in the Midwest ‘pop’. I wanted to participate, so I reluctantly signed up to bring the soda/pop. As I was in the store purchasing these drinks, I felt like a hypocrite. How could I be buying something I did not drink? I would have settled with water, but we have a water dispenser and that was not on the signup sheet. To make myself feel a little better, instead of buying the standard 12 ounce cans, I bought the small 8 ounce cans. When I got to work, I immediately announced that this was the last time I would bring in soda/pop to any party.
Almost half of all American adults have one or more preventable chronic disease and many of these diseases are related to poor quality eating patterns and physical inactivity. These chronic diseases include diabetes, high blood pressure, and some cancers. A few weeks ago, the government released new Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015 -2020, Eight Edition. These guidelines act as a tool for professionals and policy makers to help Americans make healthy choices in their daily lives to prevent chronic disease and enjoy a healthy diet.
For the general public, the government has ChooseMyPlate.gov. It is a wonderful resource and it is completely free. I am not sure if enough people know that it exists. MyPlate has been updated to reflect the new guidelines. The focus is building a healthy eating lifestyle. Although some believe this could be expensive and unrealistic for all Americans, I would argue that it is cheaper in the long run and is achievable. ChooseMyPlate.gov can help.
Building a healthy eating lifestyle requires the following:
- You must realize that foods and beverage choices that you make matters – focus on variety, amount, and nutrition – make sure that you are getting fruits, vegetables, grains and protein. Be mindful of what goes into your body.
- Choose an eating style that is low in saturated fat, sodium (salt), and added sugar – reading food labels can help you. Learn how to read food labels here.
- Make small changes to create a healthy eating lifestyle – this does not occur overnight. It is a gradual thing. Rome was not built in a day. An example could be to substitute one of your sugary drinks of the day with a glass of water.
- Support healthy eating for everyone – everyone can help. I have made the decision not to bring soda/pop to any event even if it is on the signup sheet.
For more information on MyPlate, please click here.
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