Eating a balanced diet is one of the most important things you can do to maintain and improve your overall health. What we choose to eat has a direct effect on our health, growth and feeling of well-being. Poor eating habits that result in too many calories and not enough nutrients increases the risk for obesity, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, tooth decay, and some cancers.
Making food choices for a healthy lifestyle is easier than you think. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has created ChooseMyPlate.gov to make it easy to improve your diet and your health.
Nutritious food is especially important for infants and babies. Mother’s milk is the baby’s first and healthiest food. Breastfeeding protects babies from ear infections, colds, allergies, diarrhea and constipation. It helps babies’ brain and eye development. Breastfed children are less likely to have diabetes or become overweight. The Minnesota WIC Program has helpful resources on breastfeeding.
Children of all ages need a healthy diet to for growth and development. The foods offered in the home and school make a big difference in children’s eating habits, food preferences and attitudes toward new foods. Learn more about how to help your kids eat more healthfully by clicking on the links on the left.