Wednesday is National Eating Healthy Day — a great reminder of the importance of making healthy food choices. If you are spending time worrying about what not to eat, you could be forgetting some important diet staples. Remember, when it comes to eating healthy, it’s not always about what we shouldn’t eat.

Erin Wiedmar, clinical nutritionist, Norton Healthcare, says there are many foods missing from our diets that have great health benefits.

“So many people looking to lose weight have a narrow focus about what it means to eat healthy,” she said. “Some of the best foods for you are often left out of our diets.”

Consider adding or increasing these food items in your diet to help improve your health:

• Water: Drink a 16-ounce glass of water prior to each meal. This will reduce your hunger, and you’ll eat smaller portions.
• Produce: Include a fruit or vegetable with three meals a day. This will increase your fiber and vitamin intake. Try this roasted vegetable recipe for a healthy side dish to dinner.
• Beans: Eat a bean-based meal at least once per week. Not only will this cut down on your saturated fat intake, but it will add fiber and vitamins to your diet. Fall is the perfect time to prepare chili. This chili recipe includes beans and other nutrients that are heart healthy.
• Eggs: Most people can eat eggs daily, and this “perfect protein” packs a big punch. Including eggs at breakfast is a good way to add fuel to your day. This breakfast recipe can be prepared early in the week and enjoyed each morning for a quick, convenient and healthy start.
• Intact grains: These include oats, barley, brown rice, quinoa, faro, millet and buckwheat and have a richer nutritional profile of antioxidants, B vitamins, protein, minerals and fiber.  Try this chicken and quinoa Mexican bowl recipe to add whole grains, fiber and protein to your diet. This meal can be prepared early in the week for grab-n-go lunches throughout your work week.

For more healthy recipes packed with nutrients to fuel you through the day, visit NortonHealthcare.com/news.