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Healthy. Easy. Delicious.

The right food choices can make a big difference in your health. And you don’t have to limit yourself. Just swapping for healthy but satisfying options is a great way to make healthy decisions become second nature.

A family cooking together. A husband and wife supervise two young daughters while they cut vegetables.

how can i eat better?

  • Eat more whole grains (wheat instead of white bread) and brown rice.

    While calorically similar, they have much more fiber and other essential nutrients.

  • Avoid eating high-fat dairy products and look for lower-fat options.

    These are high in saturated fat, which can increase your risk of heart disease.

  • Drink alcohol in moderation.

    Alcohol is a toxin that increases your risk of disease. It’s also high in calories and has no nutritional value.

  • Eat more fish.

    Fish is a great source of necessary protein and fat. It’s also low in calories compared with other meats.

  • Limit your consumption of grilled meats.

    Charring and high temperatures create chemical compounds than can be cancerous.

  • Limit your consumption of processed deli meats.

    They’re salty, fatty, and often contain cancer-causing preservatives. There are better ways to get that protein.

  • Eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruits every day.

    They’re not just delicious. They’re some of the healthiest things you can eat! Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals, and are an essential part of a healthy diet.

  • Avoid solid-fat foods like butter, cream, and shortening.

    Solid fats are high in saturated fat, which can raise your cholesterol and increase risk of heart disease.

Eating healthy can help you lose weight.

There are many foods you can have when you make a plan to manage your weight. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers these tips:
  • Eat the rainbow — add a variety of foods like dark leafy greens, oranges, and tomatoes to your diet. Or add a red sauce instead of extra salt.
  • Eat calcium-rich foods — try low-fat milk and fat-free flavored yogurts.
  • Use fresh, frozen, or canned fruits — just stay away from the ones with extra sugar.
  • Try a new twist on an old favorite — instead of frying fish, try grilling it. Maybe even try a recipe that uses dry beans in place of high-fat meats.
  • Use fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables for a quick side dish — try something new each week.
  • Eat comfort foods less often — when you do, replace high-calorie ingredients with lower-calorie ones.

Know How many calories should you eat?

Dietary guidelines
recommend how many calories you should consume per day based on your age, gender, and physical activity level.

Healthy swaps to eat better

Who says healthy can’t be delicious? Whether it’s an occasional craving or a go-to favorite, lots of foods can be swapped for a better alternative that can help you reach a healthy weight and avoid chronic illness.

A crossed-out red can of cola, with an arrow pointing to a white and green can of lime-flavored sparkling water.

Did you know?

Small exercise and nutrition changes can lower your risk of chronic illness.*

*National Institutes of Health (NIH)

Did you know?

Losing just 5% of your body weight can lower your risk of chronic illness.*

Consult your health care provider before beginning a weight-loss regimen.

*National Institutes of Health (NIH)

A jar of mayonnaise, with an arrow pointing to an image of a hand holding a slice of bread, while another hand spreads avocado onto it with a butter knife. There’s a checkmark drawn next to the avocado toast.
Eat fruit and yogurt instead of ice cream