USDA's ChooseMyPlate.gov recommends eating between 5 and 8 ounces of grains per day, depending on your age and gender, with at least half of those being whole-grain options. One-half cup of cooked pasta equals one serving or 1 ounce of grains.
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When it comes to condiments, you have a lot of choices -- but many of them are high in fat and calories and low in nutritional value or flavor. One option, Dijon mustard, which originally hails from Dijon, France, might not have a lot of nutrients, but it does pack a wallop of sharp flavor for very few calories.
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Fruit offers fiber, vitamins and minerals, but it can also contain a high number of calories. One serving equals 1 cup of fruit, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Choose wisely to enjoy a healthy snack without taking in too many calories.
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With just three required ingredients -- a tortilla, cheese and a little oil -- a quesadilla makes for a simple, inexpensive meal. It’s not necessarily a healthy option, however, given that it's loaded with cheese.
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As the sun goes down and your day wraps up, the temptation to reward yourself for a busy and productive day with a sugary treat can be hard to resist. But your body doesn't need the extra sugar, as too much of it is tied to an increase in obesity, type-2 diabetes, heart disease and other health conditions.
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The creamy green flesh of an avocado supplies heart-healthy unsaturated fats, fiber, potassium and vitamins C, K, B-6 and B-9. You can use it in place of mayonnaise or cheese on a sandwich or mashed it up for a dip.
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The sugar in fruit breaks down into glucose and fructose, just like sugars in other foods such as cakes and cookies. This can be problematic for certain segments of the population, particularly diabetics, who must pay strict attention to the amount of carbohydrates in their diets.
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If gestational diabetes strikes during pregnancy -- as it does in approximately 9 percent of women -- you must change your diet for your health and that of your baby. However, that doesn't mean a vegetarian needs to start eating meat products; rather, you should focus on a high-quality, well-balanced diet overall.
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Choosing fish for your entree is smart -- until it's salted, breaded and fried. For the healthiest fish preparation, start by selecting a sustainable fillet. The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch notes U.S. catfish, Alaskan salmon, U.S.-farmed rainbow trout and Pacific halibut as some of the top options.
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Traditional Chinese cuisine is rife with fresh vegetables, lean proteins and aromatic herbs, but when you order takeout in America, you’re also likely to get an excess of sodium, plenty of fat and oversized portions.
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Whether you call it Atkins, Paleo, South Beach or simply a low-carb diet, some weight-loss methods tout the superiority of protein and fat over the third macronutrient, carbohydrates.
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It's rare to find someone who claims bacon to be a health food, but it is popular, since Americans eat an average of 18 pounds of the breakfast meat a year, according to The Huffington Post.
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When you’re taking medication, the last thing you want to do is reduce its effectiveness by eating or drinking the wrong thing.
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When training for a significant period of time, your body needs fuel and hydration to keep going. This can come in the form of a sports drink such as Gatorade, which was created in the 1960s for the University of Florida football team -- the Gators -- hence, the name.
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When deciding between drinking soda or a sports drink, you're generally choosing between the lesser of two evils -- at least when it comes to nutritional benefits.
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