| Food is the fuel that our bodies use for energy. The | | | | proper growth and development. |
| three main sources of fuel are carbohydrates, protein, | | | | People who want to follow a healthier eating plan |
| and fat. The body changes them into glucose for | | | | should try to: |
| energy or stores them as fat. A car uses gas for | | | | * Increase the amount of fruits and vegetables eaten |
| energy-we use glucose! Eating a balance of healthy | | | | as part of an everyday diet. |
| foods that contain carbohydrate, protein, and fat every | | | | * Buy fresh produce in season for the best prices. |
| day will help your blood glucose stay in balance and | | | | * Select canned fruits and vegetables as a convenient |
| keep your weight where you want it to be. | | | | way to include more produce in the diet. Look for fruits |
| Today most people are to accept as a fact that "to | | | | canned in light syrup or natural juices. |
| be healthy" a well-balanced diet is required. They want | | | | * For vegetables, choose "No Salt Added" versions if |
| what's best for their live. Healthy foods are an | | | | sodium intake is a concern. |
| important issue because healthy eating is important to | | | | * Choose frozen fruits and vegetables, which are |
| good health. There are lots of reasons to eat healthy | | | | available year round and are rich in important nutrients. |
| foods, here are just a few: | | | | * Choose whole grain products when possible. Look |
| * For energy and vitality to live | | | | for "Whole Wheat Flour" or "Whole Wheat" as the |
| * To grow at a healthy rate | | | | first ingredient on the nutrition facts label. |
| * To help keep blood sugar or glucose levels in | | | | * Include up to three servings of fat-free (skim) or |
| balance-not too high or too low | | | | low-fat (1-2%) milk and milk products each day. |
| * For weight control | | | | * Select lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts |
| * To control of blood fats and prevention of heart | | | | as quality protein sources. |
| disease | | | | * Focus on choosing food items low in saturated fats, |
| * To keep the body working properly | | | | trans-fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars. |
| * To help the body avoid other health problems | | | | * Use proper serving sizes for all foods to prevent |
| caused by diabetes | | | | excess calorie consumption. Information on the correct |
| Good nutrition is an important part of healthy foods. | | | | serving sizes for each food group is available at The |
| Many causes of disease are related to poor nutrition, | | | | Food Guide Pyramid. |
| including heart disease, diabetes, overweight and | | | | Many factors can affect the nutritional health of both |
| obesity, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and certain | | | | individuals and communities, including an individual's |
| cancers. Poor nutrition can also impact day-to-day life | | | | knowledge about healthy nutrition, cultural practices |
| by affecting concentration and work performance. For | | | | related to food choices, and having access to |
| children, a poor diet can have a significant effect on | | | | information about an adequate and healthy diet. |