ACSM Information On…

Creating A Healthy
Eating Pattern
As a part of an active lifestyle, it is important to
consider incorporating a healthy eating pattern.
Adequate physical activity, proper nutrition,
and mind-body awareness is the combination to
a balanced wellness regimen. Read on to learn
more about how you can incorporate a healthy
eating pattern into your lifestyle.

Shifting our focus to healthy eating patterns

An eating pattern is an individual’s habitual dietary intake and
decisions regarding food and beverages over a continuous period of
time. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans emphasize
that eating patterns may be a predictive marker of overall health
status and disease risk. An individual’s pattern of eating may change
over life transition periods such as transitioning from adolescent to
early adult. Cultural or personal preferences may shift and can be
incorporated into an individual’s pattern of eating. As long as the
individual is following an overall healthy diet pattern during these
transition periods, the health benefits sustain. 5) A variety of proteins should be consumed including lean
meats and poultry, eggs, seafood, nuts, seeds, soy products and
Benefits of a healthy eating pattern legumes
Evidence shows that persons who consume a healthy, balanced 6) Healthy fats and oils should be substituted for those
diet over a continuous time period are at reduced risk of containing saturated fat and/or trans fat
developing chronic diseases such as: type II diabetes, heart disease, 7) Research shows that a healthy eating pattern limits saturated
hypertension, and high cholesterol. fats and trans fats, added sugars, and sodium.

An individual’s pattern of eating should focus on including a It’s recommended to consistently follow these guidelines in order
variety of nutrient-dense foods while limiting empty calories. to maintain an overall healthy eating pattern. This is especially
Nutrient dense foods are foods with a mix of high nutrient content important for when you change environments such as: work, school,
and relatively low calories. Foods consisting of multiple vitamins, or travel. Environment changes can be one of the most challenging
minerals, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and lean proteins are obstacles to sustaining a healthy eating pattern due to food
considered nutrient-dense. Empty calories offer minimal nutrients, availability, time constraints, and other life stresses.
but have relatively high calories providing little to no health
benefit to the consumer. Solid fats and added sugars in both foods Special considerations for weight loss:
and beverages are primarily responsible for empty calories in the In order to promote weight loss, a caloric deficit must be created
American diet. and maintained. In other words, a person must eat less than their
body uses. To safely lose weight, it is important to remember the
How to create a healthy eating pattern: following:
1) Choose vegetables from different subgroups – dark green, red • Include nutrient-dense foods at each meal or snack
and orange, legumes (beans and peas), starchy, and other opportunity. Try fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains,
2) Consume the whole fruit versus fruit juice beans, eggs, nuts, seeds, lean protein, low-fat or fat-free dairy
3) Half or more of grains should come from whole grains products.
4) Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products
 • Pre-plan meals and snacks so a healthy option is always Hormone’s Role in Weight Maintenance
available. Research shows that those who consume an overall healthy eating
• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Aim for at least 8-10 pattern are likely to maintain a stable, healthy body weight.
cups per day. Nutritional deficiencies are less likely present when an individual
• Distinguish eating out of boredom versus when you’re truly is consuming a balanced, consistent diet. By optimizing nutritional
hungry. status, the body is able to maintain homeostasis, or a balanced state.
• Don’t skip meals. Instead aim for 5-6 small meals spread The following hormones play a key role in managing the body’s
throughout the day. homeostasis:
• Be aware of what barriers you have on your weight loss journey. • Insulin levels increase rapidly after a meal and help transport
Plan in advance how to overcome these challenges. glucose (energy) to be used in the cells. The pancreas releases
insulin into the bloodstream.
Follow these key strategies while creating your “on the go” nutrition • Leptin is released from the adipose (fat) cells. Leptin promotes
plan: the feeling of fullness and likely decreases with low caloric
• Always prepare and plan in advance when possible intake.
• Identify food access at your destination (supermarkets, • Ghrelin is released mainly from the stomach. It is known as the
restaurants) “hunger hormone” and is released when the stomach is empty.
• Familiarize yourself with your flight itinerary to identify • Gastrin helps initiate the digestion process. It is released from
appropriate options the stomach when food enters.
• Bring supplemental food in your school, work, or travel bag • Peptide YY (or PYY ) is secreted by the intestines and slows
(water bottle, fruit, non-perishable bars) stomach motility, or the movement of food. It is released in the
• Stay hydrated by drinking fluids regularly hours following a meal and may suppress appetite.
• Be aware of food safety standards and practices if you are • Cholecystokinin (CCK) is secreted by the small intestine. It
traveling international triggers feelings of fullness in the brain and is released when
protein and fat enter the small intestine.
Nutritional needs should be met primarily through whole food
sources versus supplements. A sports bar, sports drink, or other There are several components that make up a healthy lifestyle
supplemental food may be an appropriate option for an athlete or including adequate physical activity and healthy dietary intake.
other person at times, but should not replace a meal itself. Whole Incorporating a healthy pattern of eating along-side regular exercise
foods in their most natural, unprocessed form provide the body should be something that is sustainable for you from day to day
with the greatest variety of nutrients. When possible, incorporate and even on-the-go. These components are often key indicators of
as many whole foods in your eating pattern to maximize your success in the long-term.
nutritional benefit.

If you have ever been diagnosed by a doctor, with OR Not all exercise programs are suitable for everyone.
Staying Active Pays Off! have signs/symptoms of cardiovascular, metabolic or Activities should be carried out at an effort level that
Those who are physically active tend to live longer, kidney disease, THEN it is recommended to seek is comfortable for you. You should stop participation
healthier lives. Research shows that moderate physical medical clearance before beginning an exercise program. in any exercise activity that causes pain. In such event,
activity—such as 30 minutes a day of brisk walking— Once you get medical clearance, you should start with you should consult with your health care professional
significantly contributes to a longer life. Even a person light to moderate intensity. You can gradually build up immediately.
with health risk factors like high blood pressure, to vigorous exercise if you stay free of any symptoms of
depression, diabetes or a smoking habit can gain real ACSM recommends you accumulate at least 30 minutes
health problems. of moderate-intensity physical activity (working hard
benefits from incorporating regular physical activity into
their daily life. If you DO exercise regularly: enough to break a sweat, but still able to carry on a
If you have not been diagnosed with, AND do not conversation) most days per week, or 20 minutes of more
As many dieters have found, exercise can also help you vigorous activity three days per week. Combinations
achieve weight loss goals. What’s more, regular exercise have signs or symptoms of cardiovascular, metabolic, or
kidney disease, you can continue with moderate exercise of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity can be
can help lower blood pressure, control blood sugar, performed to meet this recommendation.
improve cholesterol levels and build stronger, denser or gradually build to vigorous exercise intensity.
bones. Exercise helps improve your mental well-being If you have been diagnosed with cardiovascular, Examples of typical aerobic exercises are: walking,
too. metabolic, or kidney disease AND do not have any sign/ running, stair climbing, cycling, rowing, cross country
symptoms of health problems, then you can continue skiing and swimming. Examples of common strength
A Complete Physical Activity Program exercising at a moderate intensity. If you received training exercises are: weight machines, free weights
Regular physical activity provides many health benefits. medical clearance within the last 12 months AND your and resistance bands. Flexibility exercises can include:
While it’s not required, working with an exercise symptoms have not changed, then can continue with stretches of muscles around different joints and yoga.
professional can help you reach your fitness goals, moderate exercise or gradually build to vigorous exercise
tailor exercises to your abilities and most importantly, intensity.
Rights and Permissions
minimize your risk of injury. You should expect the ACSM grants permission to reproduce this brochure if
If at any time you develop a sign or symptom of it is reproduced in its entirety without alteration. The
exercise professional to ask you to fill out an exercise pre-
cardiovascular, metabolic or kidney disease, discontinue text may be reproduced in another publication if it is
participation health screening. This form will ask if you
exercise and seek a doctor’s clearance right away. Then, used in its entirety without alteration and the following
exercise regularly and if you have any health concerns
after getting medical clearance, you may continue your statement is added: Reprinted with permission of the
that should prompt you to see your healthcare provider
moderate intensity exercise program and gradually American College of Sports Medicine.
before getting started. The following precautions will
progress your effort.
help you safely participate in exercise programs: Copyright © 2017 American College of Sports
If you DO NOT exercise regularly: Getting Started with an Exercise Medicine. This brochure was created by Michelle
Kulovitz Alencar, Ph.D., and Shelby Yaceczko, RDN,
If you have not been diagnosed by a doctor with, AND Program and is a product of ACSM’s Consumer Information
do not have signs or symptoms of cardiovascular, A well-rounded exercise program includes aerobic, Committee. Visit ACSM online at www.acsm.org.
metabolic or kidney disease, THEN you can start right strength training exercises, but not necessarily in the
away with light to moderate intensity exercise. You can same session. This blend helps maintain or improve
gradually build up to vigorous exercise if you stay free of overall health and function. So, it is important to choose
any symptoms of health problems. exercises you enjoy and can fit into your schedule.