Healthy Eating Habits

Healthy Eating

A healthy diet is based on a wide variety of foods, including whole grains, lean protein foods, low fat dairy foods (and substitutes), fruits and vegetables, and essential fats. Fruits and vegetables should be a daily mainstay as they provide important vitamins, minerals and fiber, and may reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers. Fruits and vegetables may also help with weight control.

The 2017 Dietary Guidelines advise Americans to reduce saturated fat, trans fat, sodium and sugar intake. Reading labels can help consumers reduce these items. Cutting down on sugary drinks and replacing with water as a beverage is also recommended.

The USDA MyPlate serves as a good guide for overall nutrition for children ages two and older, and adults. The suggested portions of recommended food groups are based on what is currently known about nutrition needs, with the goal of maintaining ideal health and preventing disease. Fruits and vegetables fill half of the plate, carbohydrates (grains) fill one quarter, and protein foods are also a quarter. The plate also highlights the importance of dairy foods. Using this guide of five food groups to plan meals and snacks will help assure adequate nutrition and to reduce the risk of chronic disease. It is important to eat an appropriate level of calories based on individual needs and lifestyle; this information is available through the USDA website.

 

Resources:

Farm to School
Farmer’s Market Fact Sheet
Nutrition Tips
Choosemyplate.gov
Dietary Guidelines for Americans
Healthy Eating Style
Make Half Your Grains Whole Spanish
How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label
Eating Foods Away from Home
Make Better Beverage Choices Spanish
Be Food Safe Spanish
My Plate Snack Tips for Parents
Make Better Beverage Choices Spanish
Calories…How Many for You
CDC Rethink Your Drink
Dietary Fiber
Drink Flyer2
Food Recommendations for Vending Machines
Handouts Nutrition Month
Fall Tidbits for Fruits & Veggies
Cancer & Nutrition
Other Milk Facts
The Soy Health Claim
The Truth About Trans Fats