by Wendy R.

Created on: November 06, 2009

Following the good health guidelines set forth by Weight Watchers can not only help you lose weight, but can also help you live healthier in the long run.

The first guideline that Weight Watchers recommends is to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day. High in fiber, water content, vitamins and minerals, fruits and vegetables also add bulk to your diet making you feel fuller for longer periods of time. These foods also contribute few calories to your total daily allotment, and therefore few points. One serving of fruits and vegetables is usually one-half of a cup, with the exception being leafy green vegetables. One cup of green vegetables is one serving. There are many vegetables which are zero points for a one cup serving including: broccoli, mushrooms, lettuce, carrots, green beans, beets and lettuce.

Weight Watchers also recommends eating whole grain foods as often as possible. Whole grain foods should constitute at least half of your daily grains. These foods are high in nutrients such as fiber and vitamin B12. These are particularly important for people who are vegetarians. You can get whole grains through whole wheat pasta, brown rice and wheat, oat and multigrain bread.

It is important to include two servings of milk products each day. If you are over fifty, or are nursing, you should include three servings. These milk products are a good source of calcium, protein, zinc and riboflavin. Calcium helps to protect your bones and may also find colon cancer and high blood pressure.

Drinking six glasses of water or more a day is very beneficial and is essential to all of the chemical processes that take place in your body. In addition to regular water, you may substitute caffeine-free, sugar-free beverages and sugar-free lemonade in small quantities.

Each day it is important to include fats in your diet. The best kinds, which are also heart-healthy are monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. You get these from fish, nuts, seeds and vegetable oil. Other types of oil, such as olive, canola, sunflower and flaxseed oil give you the necessary vitamin E, and also important fatty acids.

Make sure to get enough protein in your diet. Proteins help to fill you up. You need two servings a day. Of course, it is important to pick lower fat options such as skinless poultry, fish, eggs and lean meat.

The Weight Watcher guidelines also recommend no more than one alcoholic beverage per day for women or two for men.Alcohol contains empty calories as does sugary foods. It also doesn't hurt to take a multivitamin daily, one that does not contain more than one hundred percent of the Daily Recommended value.

These are the good health guidelines recommended by Weight Watchers. They will help you lose weight and feel better too!

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