Eating the right food can help you stay healthy.

• Healthy food choices can:
• Help your heart
• Help your body move better
• Help your blood sugar (diabetes)

Try to eat from each food group every day.

• The five food groups are:
• Grains
• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Dairy (milk)
• Proteins (meat and beans)

Why is it important to eat from the food groups?

• These foods supply your body with:
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Nutrients
• Your body needs each of these to stay healthy.

Grains are foods like breads, cereals, rice, and pasta.

• Healthy choices are:
• Whole wheat bread
• Brown rice
• Whole wheat pasta
• Stay away from:
• White bread and pasta
• Cereals with sugar
• Donuts

Fruits give you vitamins and nutrients.

• Eat fruits that are fresh, frozen, canned, or dried.
• If you drink fruit juice, look at the container label.
• Does it say “100% Juice”?
• Does it say “No Added Sugar”?
• If the answer is yes, it’s good to drink!

Vegetables are the healthiest foods to eat.

• Vegetables are low in fat.
• They have many nutrients.
• You should try to eat a lot of vegetables!

Some of the healthiest vegetables to eat are:

• Dark green vegetables, such as broccoli, lettuce, and spinach
• Orange vegetables, such as carrots and squash

Eat meat and beans, too.

• Meat, beans, and eggs give your body protein.
• Protein:
• Gives your body energy
• Helps your body work

Eat healthy meats like:

• Meat with less fat
• Chicken without skin
• Meat that has been baked, broiled, or grilled

Make healthy dairy choices.

• Dairy makes your bones stronger.
• Healthy dairy foods are:
• Low or non-fat milk
• Low or non-fat yogurt

Eat less of some foods.

• Use less fat and oil.
• Vegetable oil and olive oil are healthier choices.
• Try not to use butter and margarine.
• Try to eat fewer sweets like cookies, cake, and candy.

For more information on how to live a healthy life:

• Guide to Healthy Living
• MyPyramid.gov: personalized eating plans
• National Center on Physical Activity and Disability Nutrition Info
• National Center on Physical Activity and Disability Exercise Info