. Choose lean cuts of meat and prioritize minimally processed foods and liquid plant oils over animal fats and tropical oils."}},{"@type":"Question","Name":"How do I read food labels effectively?","AcceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","Text":"Note serving size, calories, and daily value percentages. Check the breakdown of fats and carbs (especially added sugars), and as you read the ingredients, be aware that the one listed first accounts for the largest amount by weight in that item."}},{"@type":"Question","Name":"What are the benefits of using fresh ingredients?","AcceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","Text":"Fresh ingredients may have better texture and flavor than frozen ones, but frozen products are often already prepared, cost less, and last longer. Nutritionally, frozen and fresh vegetables are similar. Plain, sauce-free frozen vegetables don’t contain added sodium."}},{"@type":"Question","Name":"How can I incorporate more vegetables into my diet?","AcceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","Text":"To eat more vegetables, add them to soups, salads, stir-fries, and snacks. Smoothies are a great way to mask the taste of spinach or kale. Try one new vegetable a week, and make one vegetarian meal each week."}},{"@type":"Question","Name":"What are some healthy cooking techniques?","AcceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","Text":"Grilling and baking reduce added oil, and steaming, broiling, poaching, air-frying, and light sautéing are also effective cooking methods for reducing how much fat gets into your food."}}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","ItemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Nutrition & Fitness","item":"?nutrition-fitness/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Diet & Nutrition","item":"?diet-nutrition/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Food & Ingredients","item":"?food-ingredients/"}]}]}

Food & Ingredients - All Articles

Good nutrition involves choosing a wide variety of whole foods and healthy drinks that provide all the daily nutrients you need, including a balance of proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins, minerals, and water. But healthy eating involves more than nutrition: There is a world of flavors, cultures, ideas, and techniques available from which to create healthy, delicious meals for yourself and others. Everything from your budget and health needs to your preferences, schedule, and skill level can shape your cooking techniques and pantry contents.

The journey from supermarket shelf to kitchen to plate can be an exciting one, and understanding food labels, nutrients, and the benefits and risks of certain ingredients can help you create delicious, vibrant meals while prioritizing nutrition and accounting for your specific health needs.

Common Questions & Answers

What are the essential aspects of a balanced diet?
Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats should form the backbone of a balanced diet. Choose lean cuts of meat and prioritize minimally processed foods and liquid plant oils over animal fats and tropical oils.
Note serving size, calories, and daily value percentages. Check the breakdown of fats and carbs (especially added sugars), and as you read the ingredients, be aware that the one listed first accounts for the largest amount by weight in that item.
Fresh ingredients may have better texture and flavor than frozen ones, but frozen products are often already prepared, cost less, and last longer. Nutritionally, frozen and fresh vegetables are similar. Plain, sauce-free frozen vegetables don’t contain added sodium.
To eat more vegetables, add them to soups, salads, stir-fries, and snacks. Smoothies are a great way to mask the taste of spinach or kale. Try one new vegetable a week, and make one vegetarian meal each week.
Grilling and baking reduce added oil, and steaming, broiling, poaching, air-frying, and light sautéing are also effective cooking methods for reducing how much fat gets into your food.
Meet Our Experts In Food & Ingredients
Everyday Health’s team of board-certified physicians and health professionals contribute to the creation and review of content, ensuring that the information is useful, up-to-date, and accurate.
EDITORIAL SOURCES
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Resources
  1. Nutrition. MedlinePlus. June 27, 2024.

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