What Is a “Balanced” Diet? | AFC Urgent Care Memphis

March is designated as National Nutrition Month. Could your eating habits and nutrition use a boost?

If you’re like most Americans, the answer is yes!

In recognition of this month, our team at AFC Urgent Care Memphis wants to share tips on how you can improve your diet—and your health.

Why a Healthy Diet Is Important

When you think of a healthy lifestyle, two components probably come to mind: exercise and diet. While it’s very important to move your body regularly, what you put in your body is also important.

A healthy diet can help you maintain a normal weight and reduce your risk of a number of chronic health conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes.

On the other hand, regularly eating foods that are high in saturated fat, sodium and added sugar can do the opposite. When your diet is made up primarily of processed foods, you’re more likely to be overweight or obese and your risk of all the conditions listed above is higher.

But what makes up a so-called balanced diet? Let’s take a look at a few basics:

Choose Your Carbs Wisely

Notice that we did NOT say to eliminate carbs from your diet. Your body needs carbohydrates to function at its best, since they are the main source of energy for the body.

But choose carefully! Look for carbs that will keep you full for longer and that provide nutritional value. When including starchy carbohydrates like potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and cereals on your plate, make sure you do so in moderation.

Better choices of carbohydrates include foods that are high fiber and whole grain, including whole-wheat pasta and brown rice.

Eat More Fruits and Vegetables

Half your plate at each meal should be filled with fruits and veggies. Yes, you read that right—half of your plate!

These essential foods contain all sorts of nutrients, antioxidants and minerals that benefit our health. In short, they are superfoods!

Guidelines recommend getting at least five servings of vegetables and four servings of fruits a day. If that sounds overwhelming, though, start with simply bumping up your intake by one serving a day. Add in more over time.

Don’t Forget About Fish

Is fish a normal part of your diet? If your answer is no, you are missing out on some heart health benefits!

Fish—and “fatty” fish in particular—contain high levels of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Aim to eat at least eight ounces of fish each week, or around two servings.

Fatty fish include:

• Salmon
• Tuna
• Sardines
• Trout

Wondering where your health stands? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Memphis today for a checkup. No appointment is necessary!