Dietary Guidelines
“I can’t have that, I’m on a diet.”
“That’s a bad food; there’s not room for it in a healthful diet.”
People who have followed a very restrictive diet know first-hand that the more they are deprived of certain foods, the more they tend to want them and overeat once the diet is over.
A more realistic approach is a diet that allows for all foods in moderation. Staple foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains should be eaten every day, while fried foods and high fat snacks should be viewed as occasional treats. One food, even one meal, does not make or break a healthful diet. Rather, eating patterns over time are what define a diet that is nutritious versus one in need of improvement.
Experts agree that there are no “good” or “bad” foods; only healthful or unhealthful diets. The secret to achieving nutritional balance in which you can eat healthfully while still having foods you like is to:
- moderate portion sizes
- include plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
- be physically active
Nutritional balance also requires that you be realistic. Realize that good nutrition is about the “total” diet and that no one food, meal, or day’s menu can “ruin” a healthful diet or “undo” the hard work you put into achieving a healthful lifestyle. Learn more about how Wisconsin Potatoes can play an important role in a healthful and nutritious diet.*
*An Excerpt from the United States Potato Board.
