Healthy Eating Food Facts
If you’re trying to practice healthy eating as part of your medical weight loss routine, you may be confused by conflicting information about certain foods. One minute this food is good for you, the next minute you’re told to keep it out of your diet. Get the facts about what’s good, what’s bad, and what should be eaten in moderation.
Healthy Eating Food Facts
- Coffee: Research suggests that coffee actually offers a lot of health benefits, including reduced risk of diabetes, heart attack, gallstones, Parkinson’s disease, kidney stones, and cirrhosis. However, some research does indicate that drinking black coffee may cause thinner bones in women, so it’s advised that you add milk to your coffee or make sure you’re getting enough calcium from other sources. Drinking coffee also shouldn’t replace drinking plenty of water during the day.
- Chocolate: Although chocolate is high in calories, dark chocolate contains antioxidants that can reduce your risk for heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure. Dark chocolate contains less sugar than white or milk chocolate, so it’s definitely the best way for you to indulge your sweet tooth.
- Oatmeal: It’s true that oatmeal, like other whole grains, can help lower your cholesterol and is a great source of fiber. However, eating a breakfast of only oatmeal—especially the instant kind—will probably leave you feeling hungry sooner rather than later. Experts recommend starting your day with a meal that includes some protein to prevent overeating later and to stabilize your blood sugar levels.
- Eggs: The bottom line is that eggs are good for you. They’re an excellent and inexpensive source of protein. It’s true that egg yolks contain large amounts of cholesterol, but research has not linked egg consumption to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. If you’re trying to control your cholesterol levels, chances are there are other culprits in your diet.
As a general rule, healthy eating constitutes a diet that balances fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
