(NC)Healthy eating is vital to controlling weight, which plays an important role in managing arthritis and joint pain. Losing just 10 pounds of excess weight can decrease pressure on your knees by 40 pounds. To help people stick to healthy eating habits for 2010, The Arthritis Society has prepared some advice.
Be a smart snacker. One of the keys to eating healthy is preparing your own snacks, like fruits and nuts. This can help you improve your health by reducing ingredients like salt and fat.
Snack facts. A well-balanced snack should provide some carbohydrates, protein, fibre and a little bit of fat in one low-calorie package for example, a whole-wheat cracker with hummus and cucumber slices.
Sizing up. Knowing proper portion and serving sizes of specific foods can help you prepare great snacks and meals. More information about portion sizes is available at www.arthritis.ca/lifestyle.
Craving salt or feeding a sweet tooth? Below are some sample snacks and portions that can curb cravings without going too far.
a cupped handful of roasted almonds or peanuts
baked tortilla chips with one ounce of melted low-fat cheese and tomato salsa
one small whole-wheat pita with two tablespoons of hummus, tomato and cucumber
one cup of vegetable or minestrone soup
one medium-sized piece of fresh fruit, such as an apple, orange or banana
a cupped handful of dried fruit, such as raisins or dried apricots
one half cup of low-fat yogurt mixed with one half cup of fresh or frozen berries.
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