Final answer:
To maintain good health, it is recommended to eat a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, combine plant foods for complete proteins, limit intake of saturated fats, sugar, salt, and increase omega-3 fatty acids. Lean protein sources and low-fat dairy options should also be part of a balanced diet.
Step-by-step explanation:
Maintaining good health involves making informed dietary choices. Among the recommended practices are the following:
- Eat a balanced diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables, aiming for different colors such as greens, reds, yellows, and oranges. This not only ensures a range of vitamins and phytochemicals, but also contributes to your daily fiber intake, particularly with high fiber fruits like plums and prunes.
- Include complete proteins in your diet by combining plant foods, such as beans and rice, which don't need to be consumed at the same meal to work synergistically.
- Limit intake of saturated fats, sugar, and salt. Opt for whole foods over processed foods to avoid excessive amounts of these nutrients. Choose cooking oils derived from nuts and vegetables rather than animal sources.
- Increase your intake of omega-3 fatty acids by eating foods like salmon, walnuts, flax seeds, and canola oil.
- Select lean protein sources and prepare them with minimal added fats.
- For dairy, choose low-fat or fat-free options.
By following these guidelines, you can improve your nutrient intake, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and promote overall health and wellbeing.