7 Habits of Healthy Eaters

Every wonder what healthy people do to get and stay that way? Healthy folks share most of these habits; see which you can adopt and you'll see a difference in your own life.
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Person Reading Nutrition Label on Packaged Food

Photo by: Ryan McVay ©(c) Ryan McVay

Ryan McVay, (c) Ryan McVay

Ever wonder what healthy folks do to be and stay that way? Being healthy is a lifestyle, not just something you sometimes do and then fall off the wagon. Healthy eaters have many of these 7 habits in common -- see how many of them you can adopt; you'll feel better for it.

1. Gardening

Any food you can grow on your own is better for your health and the health of the environment. Whether it's a few pots of herbs or a full-blown veggie garden, get your hands a little dirty and start growing your own food.

Make This Habit Your Own: Gardening For Beginners
2. Food safety

Is your fridge the proper temperature? Do you know how to defrost meat or prevent cross contamination? Paying attention to basic food safety principles will keep you and everyone in your household that much more healthy.

Make This Habit Your Own: Counter-Top Safety
3. Meal planning

A little forethought can make a real difference. Make a weekly meal plan, eat most meals at home, and think about your entire day when making food choices. You will save time, money and a whole bunch of calories.

Make This Habit Your Own: Brown-Bag Lunch Menus
4. Hydration

Hydration is part of a healthy diet. Getting enough fluid benefits your skin, circulation, blood pressure and energy levels. Water is always the best choice but you can always flavor it up.

Make This Habit Your Own: Drink Enough Water
5. Eating -- and enjoying it

It's true, healthy eaters don't torture themselves over a bite of chocolate or always look for the lowest calorie recipe. Eating mindfully and enjoying all kinds of foods in moderation is what its all about.

Make This Habit Your Own: Eat more mindfully
6. Exercise

Getting 150 minutes of exercise over 3 to 5 days a week is ideal. Get yourself moving a little more each day and stick to it to reap the benefits for a lifetime.

Make This Habit Your Own: Optimize your exercise regimen
7. Smart shopping

Ignore the commercials and impressive sounding marketing ploys. To really understand what's in the food you’re eating, check the nutrition facts and the ingredient list. Read the labels to be completely in the know about what you're buying and eating.

Make This Habit Your Own: Beware of the Health Halo
Tell Us: What are your healthiest habits?

Dana Angelo White, MS, RD, ATC, is a registered dietitian, certified athletic trainer and owner of Dana White Nutrition, Inc., which specializes in culinary and sports nutrition. See Dana's full bio »

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