Moderation in Nutrition

One way to enhance your overall well-being, inside and out, is by eating healthy. But even unhealthy food, when eaten sparingly, also has benefits for the human body. According to BetterHealthChannel.com, fat helps to protect your organs, keeps the body warm and helps the body absorb nutrients. Fat is also an important element in the production of hormones. Eating a wide range of foods from different food groups, provides your body with a plethora of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, and gives your body the fuel it needs to perform at its very best.

Red Meats

• Red meat and higher fat meats like ground beef should be eaten in moderation. While you may be tempted to buy the higher fat meat and drain the fat, this extra precaution does very little does to reduce the amount of fat of the meat since most of the fat found within high-fat ground beef is bound within the meat. Instead, opt for lower fat alternatives to regular ground beef that you can eat more often and prepare differently. To provide your body with the protein it needs, without the high fat content, choose lean ground beef or ground sirloin, with a fat content of no more than 10 percent. If, however, you are on a diet or attempting to lose weight, ground beef with a fat content between 1 and 10 percent is ideal.

High Sodium Foods

• Check the labels of the foods you buy on a regular basis. While you may be quick to check the fat content and calorie content of some of your favorite foods, one of the hidden culprits that has a negative impact on blood pressure is sodium. This is because many processed foods like soups and canned foods tend to use sodium as a preservative. High amounts of sodium can often make you feel dehydrated, bloated and sluggish. This is why it is important to eat foods containing large amounts of sodium in moderation, or find a lower sodium alternative. However, keep in mind when you do prepare foods such as canned soups, eliminate the use of the saltshaker.

Junk Foods

• Candy bars, ice cream, desserts and potato chips are all junk food items; however, even these items can be eaten sparingly. Eating the same foods day in and day out can often lead to boredom and potential binge eating. By learning to control your portions and eating even junk foods in moderation, you can learn to enjoy a treat now and then. A good rule of thumb to follow and to make sure you eat them in moderation is to eat the recommended serving size listed on the package.

Sugary Foods and Drinks

• High sugar foods and drinks leads to an increase in appetite and eating more throughout the day. It can also lead to weight gain. High sugar foods and drinks cause blood sugar levels to spike, making you feel hungry even when you aren't. To keep insulin levels in check, reduce your consumption of high-sugar foods and drinks, and opt for low-sugar alternatives. For example, if you enjoy drinking regular soda on a daily basis, opt for diet soda or switch to iced tea. Flavor hot and cold teas with artificial sweetener, many of which have zero calories. If you crave high-sugar foods, such as hard candy, satisfy your cravings with a sugar-free alternative. Another good choice is to snack on fruits that are naturally sweet all of which contain complex sugars, instead of simple sugars. Bananas, mangos and strawberries are great raw and can help to satisfy your sweet tooth.