Eat Healthy
Eating foods full of nutrients fuels your body and mind.
According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020-2025, a healthy eating plan:
- Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products
- Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts
- Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars
- Stays within your daily calorie needs
MyPlate offers a simple way to visual how to assemble a meal.
The Start Simple app from the US Department of Agriculture can help you to plan your meals, pick simple daily food goals and see real-time progress. Try the app!
choosemyplate.gov/startsimpleapp
For more information and tools on healthy eating, visit these sites:
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association). Provides a variety of nutrition-related educational materials. eatright.org
- American Diabetes Association. An organization with the aim of leading the fight against the deadly consequences of diabetes and fighting for those affected by diabetes. diabetes.org
- Foodsafety.gov. Provides access to government resources relating to food safety and nutrition. foodsafety.gov
Healthy and Low-Cost Recipes:
- Apple & Chicken Salad | MyPlate
- 20-Minute Chicken Creole | MyPlate
- Apple Corn Chili | MyPlate
- Arroz Con Pollo (Chicken and Rice) | MyPlate
- Asparagus, Mandarin Orange, Chicken, and Rice | MyPlate
- Avocado Black Bean Taquitos | MyPlate
- Avocado Pita Pockets | MyPlate
- Baked Chicken Nuggets | MyPlate
- Baked Lentils Casserole | MyPlate
- Banana Walnut Oatmeal | MyPlate
- Basic Quiche | MyPlate
- Black Bean and Sweet Potato Quesadillas | MyPlate
- Beef & Vegetable Soup | MyPlate
Additional resources for recipes and budget-friendly ideas can be found here:
- myplate.gov/eat-healthy/healthy-eating-budget
- capitalareafoodbank.org/what-we-do/nutrition-and-wellness/recipes/
Food resources may be available in your area.
If you or your family need access to food resources, such as food banks or kitchens, the Arizona Food Bank Network may have options for you. Use this website to look up locations in your area. azfoodbanks.org
Choosing healthy drink options improve health.
Choosing healthy drinks is one way to quickly improve your eating habits. Sugary drinks like soda and sweet tea can add many calories to your day if you choose them often. To work on making a change, start by tracking what you drink each day. The Drink Tracking Log can help. Simply print out the log and mark off the beverages you drink during the day. You can repeat this over several days or a week for a full picture of your habits. Consider sharing the log with your Primary Care Provider or Care Manager for help in setting goals.
Printable version, to complete on paper and share with your providers:
Once you complete the worksheet, try setting a goal for change. Here is an example.
What You Drink Now: You drink four drinks from the “Choose more often” column and four drinks from the “Choose less often” column each day.
Goal: Replace two of your “Choose less often” drinks with something from the “Choose more often” column.
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