What are Healthy Eating Decisions?

Each day you have to make choices about the foods you eat. Some foods and drinks are better for you than other foods. Can you think of some foods that are not very healthy? What are some healthy foods that you eat each day?

To eat healthy, you should include vegetables, fruits, meats, grains, and milk each time at each meal. Each day you should eat

• 7-8 servings of grains (a slice of bread, cup of cereal, or ½ cup of rice or pasta)
• 4-5 servings of vegetables (1 cup raw leafy vegetables or ½ cup cooked vegetables)
• 4-5 fruits (1 apple, orange, or banana or ½ cup of frozen or canned fruit)
• 2-3 servings of dairy (8 ounces of milk or 1 cup of yogurt)
• 2 or less servings of meat (3 ounces of cooked meat)
• 4-5 servings of nuts, seeds, or beans (1/3 cup of nuts or 1/2 cup beans)
• 2-3 servings of fat & oils (1 teaspoon of margarine, 1 tablespoon low fat mayonnaise, or 2 tablespoons of light salad dressing)
• Only 5 servings of sweets per week

Your body treats sugar and calories that you drink differently from food. Instead of flavored milk with extra sugar or regular soda, try white skim milk, diet soda, or best yet water! You should drink at least 8 cups of water each and every day.

If you want more information view the guidelines we use to select your healthiest meal for lunch each day or visit our resources page for additional information.