Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or overwhelming—it’s simpler than you think! These nutrition tips can help you jump-start your journey to eating well.
Grains
These foods are carbohydrates, the main source of energy for your body.
- Aim for a quarter of your plate at each meal to be a grain
- Make half your grains whole grains
- Limit refined grain products such as white bread, baked goods, or other sweets
Fruits and vegetables
These foods are high in fiber, full of vitamins, and a source of carbohydrates.
- Make half your plate fruits and/or vegetables at each meal
- Aim for 5 to 7 servings per day
- Try to eat fruits and vegetables of varying color for greater nutritional benefit
Proteins
These are essential to building, maintenance, and repair of body tissues including skin, organs, and muscles.
- Aim for one quarter of your plate at each meal to be protein
- Focus on lean proteins such as eggs, chicken, turkey, fish, beans, soy, and nuts
- Limit certain proteins like fatty cuts of beef, pork, and high-fat dairy products
Healthy fats
Certain types of fats are essential components of a healthy diet.
- Eat foods high in healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, and omega-3 fatty acids, like nuts, fish, and oils such as olive and canola oil
- Limit foods that are high in saturated fats and trans fats such as those found in animal products, butter or margarine, and baked goods
Be smart about beverages
- Limit milk/dairy to 1 to 2 servings per day, and choose options that are low in fat
- Drink more water. It provides hydration with no calories, fat, or sugar
- Avoid beverages with added sugar, like fruit punch, lemonade, iced tea, and soda
