Simple Ingredients for Healthier, Happier Living...Part A

Really, all it takes is 10 simple ingredients to achieve a happy, healthier life. Leaving one ingredient out, though, could ruin the entire meal. Now life isn’t a kitchen with cabinets full of preferential ingredients. But as I see it, while we all live different lives, if we would apply a few simple rules every day, we could all feel less stressed, more energized, happier and healthier. Living healthy and balanced means something different to everybody. There is no one right way to live. Here are the first 4 ingredients to start your "recipe" of healthy success.

1. Balance Your Energy
Eat the right number of calories to maintain your body’s structures and fuel all of the jobs that your body does. Every person has different demands, but to create a balance means consuming no more calories than you’ll burn throughout the day. The more calories you burn, the more healthy calories you can eat...within reason. To help you find a better balance could mean keeping a daily food log and paying close attention to the types of foods you consume. Visit the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) dietary guidelines resource online at mypyramid.gov to create your personalized nutrition plan.

2. Balancing Essential Nutrients
Find the right balance of six essential nutrients—carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, minerals, and water—in the right proportion for your body, activity level, and personal preferences. Visit MyPyramid online to learn about healthy food choices, portion sizes and how to measure quantities of food correctly. A few healthy tips: Cut up fruits and veggies and place them into zip lock bags to enjoy at work. Prepare lunches at home rather than eating out. It’ll save you money and help you avoid the many pitfalls associated with eating away from home.

3. Strong Metabolism
Balance input and output. In other words, for weight management it’s important to consume a healthy diet and to exercise regularly. The Pyramid offers users valuable tools for weight management, keeping in mind that little steps can go a long way. Start by using the stair steps instead of the elevator and move wherever and whenever possible to burn calories.

4. Satiety
Eat little meals throughout the day and don’t starve yourself. Restricting food intake can lead to hunger, bingeing, and subsequently, overeating.