Bite Into a Healthy Lifestyle

According to Sonja Connor, registered dietitian nutritionist and president of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “Achieving optimal health is not about a specific food or time or year, but rather a life-long commitment that leaves plenty of time for the foods and activities we love.”

To get started on a healthy lifestyle, consider these three tips that will allow you enjoy a variety of foods and activities you love.

Pare Portions

Nutritious eating doesn’t mean giving up your favorites. By eating a smaller portion you can save calories but still have the same great taste. For example:

• Choose kid’s fries (100 calories) over large fries (500 calories) at a quick-service restaurant
• Opt for half a large bagel (130 calories) over a whole bagel (260 calories)
• Eat a 3 oz. lean sirloin steak (160 calories) instead of 6 oz. (320 calories)

 Make a Simple Substitution

Try a similar food that will provide the same taste and texture but with less fat, sugar and calories.

• Substitute 4 chocolate kisses (88 calories) for large candy bar (210 calories)
• Have a light yogurt flavored with a low-cal sweetener like aspartame (130 calories) rather than a low-fat sweetened fruit yogurt (225 calories)
• Enjoy a grilled chicken breast with a spice rub (120 calories) to replace a fried one (360 calories)

 Get Moving

Being more active to burn extra calories doesn’t mean you have to jog or sweat in a gym. There are a variety of fun activities you can do by yourself or with family and friends.

• Go dancing on the weekends
• Dance around the house to the radio or iPod
• Sign up for a yoga or zumba class or get DVDs to work out at home
• Play with your kids at the park or in the yard; walk the dog 15 minutes twice a day

So you see, a healthy lifestyle isn’t about deprivation but moderation. Go ahead, pick up your fork and enjoy yourself!

Neva Cochran, MS, RDN, LD is a registered dietitian nutritionist based in Dallas. She was a freelancer with Woman’s World magazine for 20 years and currently serves as a nutrition communications consultant to a variety of food and nutrition organizations, including the Calorie Control Council. She is passionate about promoting fact-based food and nutrition information to help people enjoy nutritious eating. Follow her on Twitter @NevaRDLD and check out her blog at www.NevaCochranRD.com.

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