A healthy diet for weight control is characterized by:

• Limited use of sugar-containing beverages
• Emphasis on whole grains as opposed to refined starches and sugars
• High consumption of fruits and vegetables
• Emphasis on healthy unsaturated forms of fat, as opposed to saturated and partially hydrogenated fats
• Avoidance of excessive caloric intake through awareness of calories from fat and carbohydrate sources
• Control of portion sizes

A physically active lifestyle is characterized by a minimum of 1/2 hour per day of moderate to vigorous activity, such as brisk walking. For effective weight control this may need to be increased to one hour per day.

Read more about the NECON-HSPH Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Overweight and Obesity.

Source: NECON-HSPH Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Overweight and Obesity in New England

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