ConAgra Foods®

Plan for Nutritional Balance

Balance in nutrition means getting the right combination of nutrients your body needs for energy, growth, and health. Too many people think that good nutrition means eating bland, boring food. Not true, balancing your nutrition can be a delicious endeavor.

By following these simple tips, you can achieve nutritional balance and discover some great new tastes along the way.

Choose variety. All foods can fit in a healthy eating plan when enjoyed in moderation. The key is variety: Eat a wide selection of foods and try some different cooking methods on occasion. Just be sure to choose foods and cooking techniques that are lower in fat.

Emphasize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Include fruit and vegetables in most meals as these foods are typically nutrient-dense rather than calorie-heavy. Choose whole-grain options when possible – at breakfast, on a sandwich, or as a starchy side.

Experiment with new tastes. Broaden your palate by trying at least one new food or making a different recipe each week.

Choose nutrient-dense snacks. Typical snack patterns include foods that provide more energy (calories) than nutrients. But you can choose snacks that also pack a nutritional punch. For instance, choose a whole-grain snack such as Orville Redenbacher's^® SmartPop!^® popcorn. It's a satisfying snack that provides two servings of whole grain per serving, and can help keep your appetite in check until your next meal.

Save sweets for treats. Sweet foods can certainly be part of a balanced approach to eating. We only get into trouble when we eat them several times a day or in large quantities. When you're looking for an easy treat, try Hunt's Snack Pack puddings. Made with real skim milk from concentrate, it's a delicious, nutritious treat that you'll love.

Get active. Getting 30-60 minutes of physical activity is one of Canada's Physical Activity Guide recommendations. Activity helps keep your muscles and metabolism fit. Staying fit not only helps you get the most out of what you eat, it also helps you maintain a healthful weight.

Take Small Steps That Stick
Choose to work on one action step a week until it becomes a habit. Perhaps you'd like to eat more fruit. Then spend a week focused on making fruit part of your daily routine. The following week, move on to your next action step.