Healthy eating and nutrition

Are you looking for ways to make healthy eating a little easier? While there's lots of nutrition information out there, it may be hard to know where to begin — or how to start making healthy eating a habit. Let's look at some ways to help make healthy eating part of everyday life, from learning nutrition basics to choosing foods that may support or improve your health.

What is a healthy diet?

Healthy eating is about choosing healthy foods and beverages — and making those choices consistently. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a healthy eating plan includes:1, 2

  • Lots of fruits, vegetables and whole grains
  • Low-fat or fat-free milk, lactose-free milk or fortified soy beverages
  • Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, soy products, nuts and seeds
  • Foods with dietary fiber, calcium, vitamin D and potassium
  • Limiting added sugars, saturated fats, trans fats, sodium and cholesterol

You can enjoy your favorite comfort foods in moderation — just try eating them less often or in smaller amounts. Aim to stay within your daily calorie needs, too.2

Benefits of healthy eating

Enjoying a balanced, healthy diet may help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight and live longer. A healthy eating pattern may also help you manage chronic health conditions and prevent complications.2 And that’s not all. Eating healthy offers benefits like:3

  • Boosted immunity
  • Strong muscles and bones
  • Healthy skin, teeth and eyes
  • Help with digestion
  • Healthy pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Lowered risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers

How to eat healthy and support wellness

Explore information and resources to help you start or maintain healthy eating habits.

Eating a healthy diet

Find guidance on making healthy nutrition choices, learn about times when your nutrition needs may vary and get tips for supporting a healthy diet.

Learn about eating a healthy diet

What's my BMI?

Learn about Body Mass Index (BMI) and why it’s an important part of your health. Plus, get an overview of BMI ranges and how to calculate your BMI.

Calculate your BMI

Diet and health conditions

Explore diet plans that may support your health. Learn about the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet and DASH diet, and other popular diets like the keto diet.

Learn about diet and health conditions