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Eating Well

Healthy eating habits are essential for everyone, but especially for adolescents and young adults. Everything you eat and drink counts and the right mix of foods can help you be healthier now and in the future. Eating healthy is a journey shaped by different factors in your life including preference, body type, environment, culture, access to food and personal decisions.  Eating healthy reduces likelihood of chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease. It can improve your memory, help maintain a healthy weight, help with energy, mood and stress management.

The Choosemyplate.gov website provides recommended guidelines and tips to help you create a healthy eating style that meets your needs and the factors that may affect your life.

Use the guidelines below and from MyPlate to determine the steps you need to take to reach a healthy eating style:

  • Choosing vegetables, fruits, lean protein and healthy fats as your primary foods and trying to decrease processed foods like chips, cookies, candies and sodas can make a big difference in your energy level and the way your body feels.
  • Replace sodas and sugary drinks with water and “zero” calorie drinks Aim to eat a healthy breakfast in the morning so you are less likely to munch on unhealthy snacks later in the day.
  • Aim for a healthy mix in the different types of food you consume which include fruits, vegetables and healthy fats (i.e. avocado, nuts, fish, full fat yogurt).
  • Understand serving sizes that are right for you in order to help you control your portions. Use the MyPlate website to determine how much food you should eat based on your age, gender and activity level.
  • When updating your eating habits, start with small changes to make the transition easier.

Legacy Community Health offers nutritional counseling services by our registered dietitians who can help you determine the foods and quantities that will help you meet your goals.  Speak to a provider for more information about nutrition counseling.

If you are overweight, underweight, have inconsistent eating habits, or an eating disorder, it’s important to talk to your provider about what steps you can take manage a healthy diet.  Your provider may refer you to a dietician who can help you create a health plan that is customized to your needs and goals.