Healthy Eating Overview
Good nutrition is about regularly choosing healthy foods and beverages. Healthy eating patterns can include foods and drinks that reflect your preferences, cultural traditions, and budgetary considerations. Eating well is not a diet; it’s a lifestyle. Unfortunately, many people find it hard to eat a balanced diet, and most Americans don’t eat enough nutritious food. This increases their risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes.
Many chronic diseases stem from a few key risk factors, including poor nutrition, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption. However, by steering clear of these risks and seeking regular preventive care, you can improve your chances of staying healthy, feeling good, and living a longer life.
The Healthy Eating Plate
Components of a Balanced Diet
Healthy Eating Plate
Use Harvard's Healthy Eating Plate as a guide for creating healthy, balanced meals.
Fruits
Make half your plate fruits and vegetables, and focus on whole fruits.
Vegetables
Make half your plate fruits and vegetables, and be sure to vary your veggies.
Grains
Make half your grains whole grains.
Proteins
Vary your protein routine.
Water
Prioritize water, limit milk and juice, and avoid sugar-sweetened beverages.
Copyright © 2011, Harvard University. For more information about The Healthy Eating Plate, please see The Nutrition Source, Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, www.thenutritionsource.org, and Harvard Health Publications, www.health.harvard.edu.
Healthy Eating Resources
HIP-Cuyahoga’s nutrition strategies—food service guidelines and fruit and vegetable programs—are made possible through partnerships. Community organizations and academic institutions like the Hunger Network and Case Western’s Swetland Center work together to make healthy eating easier in Cuyahoga County.
If you or someone you know is managing a chronic condition, needs food, or just wants to make lifestyle changes, our programs and resources are here to help.
Recipes and Resources Find Fresh Produce – Local Markets and Incentive Programs