Good nutrition is important throughout all lifespans to keep current and future generations of Americans healthy. Individuals with healthy eating patterns have lower risk for serious health problems, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and are also living longer. For those already living with chronic diseases, eating healthy can help manage these conditions and prevent complications.
Other benefits of healthy eating include:
- Keeps skin, teeth and eyes healthy
- Supports muscles
- Strengthens bones
- Maintain healthy weight
- Boosts immunity
- Helps digestive system function
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans are recommendations that come out every 5 years that intend to promote health and help prevent chronic diseases. The current guidelines outline:
- Following a healthy dietary pattern at every life stage.
- Customize and enjoy nutrient-dense food and beverage choices to reflect personal preferences, cultural traditions, and budget friendly considerations.
- Focus on meeting food group needs with nutrient-dense foods and beverages and stay within calorie limits.
- Limit foods and beverages higher in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium, and limit alcoholic beverages.
- To learn more, visit dietaryguidelines.gov.
Start Simple with MyPlate
This campaign was designed to help implement the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. It provides inspiration and simple ideas people can incorporate into their busy lives to help improve their health and well-being over time.
MyPlate Tools and Resources
Go to MyPlate.gov or download the MyPlate app to utilize the following tools and resources:
- MyPlate Quiz- Receive a snapshot of how you are doing on the MyPlate food groups and get personalized resources based on quiz results.
- Personalized MyPlate Plans-Find personal food group targets with the MyPlate plan.
- MyPlate Kitchen- A place to look up endless recipe and meal ideas.
- Get encouraged to set daily food group goals, see progress, and celebrate success.
Program Highlight: Nutrition 101 Nutrition shouldn’t be complicated. Start this program to get back to the basics. You’ll learn about the different types of nutrients, how they’re used by the body, and how to include them in your diet. It will review carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Go to your member app or website and explore the Program Library on the Journey tab to learn more.
Read more about National Nutrition Month and other important topics in Highmark’s Plan for Health Newsletter.
