HEALTHY EATING FOR A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

Meat, poultry, fish and beans supply many vital nutrients such as protein, B Vitamins, iron, zinc and magnesium. Protein functions as a building block for our bones, muscles, skin and blood. Iron’s function in our bodies is to carry oxygen throughout our bloodstream. Foods high in zinc are essential for keeping the immune system running properly.

Many people often do not make enough varied choices when eating from this food group, usually selecting meat or poultry for main dishes. Varying choices to include fish and beans can provide our bodies with many benefits we would otherwise be missing. Some fish provide high amounts of a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid called “omega-3 fatty acid.” There is evidence that eating fish rich in this acid may reduce the risk of mortality from cardiovascular disease. Choosing fish such as salmon, trout and herring more often provides our bodies with the highest level of this beneficial acid. Adding beans to our diet brings other important additions such as dietary fiber and nutrients like folate, which are found to be low in many American diets.

When choosing foods in this category, it is important to be cautious of processed meats, such as deli meats, sausage and frankfurters. These meats have sodium added to them, sometimes along with other fillers. Also, when choosing meat and poulty, it is best to choose lean or low-fat options, such as a 80% or higher lean beef, and skinless chicken breast. When cooking with meats and adding a solid fat, such as butter for frying, it is important to remember that the calorie and fat content will be much higher than using an alternative method to cook the meats such as grilling, or roasting.