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This article is part of a packetThis Article is Part of the Packet "Eating Right"

Also in This Packet:
If You Eat Fast Food, Make Good Choices
Healthy Lifestyle Choices
Making Healthy Life Choices
My Checklist for a Healthy Life
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Eat Right, Stay Healthy

person picking an apple at the grocery store

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
Download: 
application/pdf iconEat Right, Stay Healthy Presentation

Last updated on March 29th, 2010

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