Nutrition

Healthy Eating

A healthy lifestyle starts with healthy eating. Healthy eating is possible when you know what foods your body needs, those foods are accessible, and you choose to make healthy foods a part of your daily diet.

You can create and maintain a healthy eating pattern by making small, manageable changes. Check out EatRight.org or the 2015 Dietary Guidelines published by the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and of Agriculture to see if you’re on track:

Follow a healthy eating pattern across the lifespan.

A healthy eating pattern includes consuming whole fruits, a variety of vegetables, protein foods, fat-free or low-fat dairy, whole grains, and healthy oils and limits saturated fats, trans fats, added sugars and sodium;

Focus on variety, nutrient density, and amount.

Choose a variety of nutrient-dense foods in recommended amounts to create your meals.

Limit calories from added sugars and saturated fats and reduce sodium intake.

For a healthy eating pattern, consume foods and beverages low in added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium and limit foods and beverages higher in these components.

Shift to healthier food and beverage choices.

Choose nutrient-dense foods and beverages within all food groups in place of less healthy choices.

Support healthy eating patterns for all.

You have the power to influence healthy eating patterns. Choose to create and support healthy eating patterns at home, school, work, and in your community.

Nutrition Labels

Knowing how to properly read nutrition labels will help you make better decisions about what foods and beverages you choose to put into your body.

nutrition label

Serving Size

The serving size tells you how many calories and nutrients you will consume within a measured amount. The more servings you consume, the greater the calories and nutrients you intake.

Calories

Calories are energy we get from food. Your body needs this energy to function properly, but eating too many calories per day is linked to obesity. As a general, per-serving guideline:

40 calories is low
100 calories is moderate
400 calories or more is high

Fat, Cholesterol, Sodium

Most American consume enough or too much fat, cholesterol, and sodium. Eating too much of these nutrients may increase your risk of chronic disease, some cancers, or high blood pressure. Limit your intake of saturated fat, trans fat, and cholesterol as much as possible.

Dietary Fiber, Vitamins, and Minerals

Most Americans don't get enough dietary fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron in their diets. Eating adequate amounts of these nutrients can help improve heart health, digestion, and immunity.

Farmer's Markets

Farmers markets connect communities with fresh, local products like seasonal fruits and vegetables, dairy products, and meat and provide areas known as food deserts with access to affordable food. Find a market near you:

Donations

One way you can increase access to healthy foods in underserved populations is by donating to your local food pantry or food bank.

Find a pantry near you.

The following is a list of healthy food items you can donate today:

Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh produce
Low-sodium or water packed canned vegetables
Canned fruits in 100% juice
100% fruit and vegetable juices
Dried fruits and vegetables with no added sugar

Proteins

Low-sodium or water packed canned meats and seafood
Dried beans, peas, and lentils
Low-sodium canned beans and peas

Dairy and Dairy Substitutes

Shelf-stable milk or non-dairy alternatives such as soy and almond milk

100% Whole Grains

Whole-wheat pasta, barley, brown rice, and wild rice
Whole-grain cereal and rolled oats with at least 3g of fiber

Healthy Fats

Low-sodium nuts
Low-sodium nut butter

Interested in hosting a food drive? Contact healthpromotion@slco.org for tips and ideas.

Food Pantries

Visit our food pantry partner, FeedUt.org, to find a pantry near you.

Or the Utah Food Bank also maintains a list of food pantries in the Salt Lake area; download a PDF or use their online pantry locator.