Healthy Eating

Things You Can Do Now

Getting healthy doesn't mean overhauling your whole refrigerator and pantry. Just try these tips for healthy eating every day. Add another tip each week and before you know it you are on your way to a healthier you.

Eat Breakfast: Even something quick like yogurt and fruit can give you energy for the day and provides you with a serving of fruit and dairy.

Pack Healthy Snacks: Snacks such as baby carrots, cut up celery, grapes, raisins, apples, and bananas. These fruits and vegetables will give energy to keep going and also help you meet your recommended servings of fruits and vegetables.

Eat When You Are Hungry: Don't Let Yourself Starve If you eat a small snack when you begin to feel hungry, then you will be less likely to overeat later.

When You Cook, Use Canola or Olive Oil in Place of Other Fats and Oils.

Watch Your Serving Sizes: Read the food label, and find out just how many servings are in that "individual" bag. Many times we think we are making a healthy choice, but we eat so much of it that we consume too many calories. Buy child-sized portions at fast-food restaurants, they are the correct serving size.

Make Dinner a Family Activity: Allow children to help with tasks they can handle, such as peeling vegetables, stirring or measuring ingredients, or even planning the meal. Families who eat together are most likely to improve their nutritional intake and strengthen family relationships.

Eat Whole Grain: Not only does the fiber help you to feel full, but it takes longer to digest, so you feel satisfied longer.

Don't Cut Out All "Junk" Food: Cookie monster changed his tune to "A Cookie Is a Sometimes Food" and it is true! If you skip all "junk" food, you are likely to feel worse than if you eat smaller portions in moderation.

For More Information

About Portions - Department of Health and Human Services

Tips & Resources - My Pyramid

Food and Nutrition Resources - U.S. Department of Agriculture