Eating Well
“Every time you eat is an opportunity to nourish your body.”
– Unknown
Introduction
You eat not only to live, but to participate in your community, to celebrate, to enjoy the tastes, and to feel good.
- Many things affect why, when, and what you eat
- Why, when, and what you eat can have a big impact on your health and quality of life
- Even small changes in your diet can improve your health and quality of life
- When you focus on the ‘why, when, and what’ you eat it can help you decide what changes you want to make and begin to think about how you might start to make those changes
What is a Healthy Diet?
Good nutrition means eating:
- Foods that are full of nutrients
- Correct amounts of the nutrients your body needs
- Foods that help make you feel energetic and well
- Food that is good for your personal health needs
Making Changes
- You can follow the basic recommended guidelines in the previous section to be on your way to healthier eating
- You can also use the guidelines to check how close your current diet is to the recommendations
- To do this, write down everything you eat for one week and then compare it to guidelines
Planning Ahead
- Planning ahead can help you set and maintain your nutrition goals
- Sometimes it helps to tell others about your dietary preferences and goals
- Then they can support your efforts
- Communicating your needs and preferences helps you stay on track
- There are a few strategies you can use to help plan ahead
Resources
Session Worksheets
My Food Tracker
My Nutrition Goal
Dietary Guidelines Handouts
MyPlate’s Recommended Servings PDF
Online Resources
Video: Getting Support in Cooking
Website: USDA Local Food Directory
Website: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Website: Disability FEAST: Food Education, Access, Support, and Training
Website: Healthy Eating on a Budget
Website: Celebrate Your Plate: Shopping Tips, Recipes and Food Resources
Website: NIH Aim for a Healthy Weight
Website: Old Ways: Inspiring Good Health through Cultural Food Traditions
Handout: Eat Right When Money’s Tight Tipsheet (PDF)
Website: Health at Every Size Principles
Handout: Diabetes Prevention Program’s Lifestyle Balance Fat Counter (PDF) lists fat grams and calories for more than 1,500 foods, including regional foods from all parts of the U.S.
Home Delivery Meal Kit: Home Chef
Home Delivery Meal Kit: Sunbasket
Home Delivery Meal Kit: Hello Fresh