The Facts...

Good nutrition has a positive effect on mental and physical well-being. Healthy eating can help Oklahomans live stronger and healthier lives.  It can also help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease, some cancers, stroke and diabetes.  

Improving nutrition means making healthy choices, such as eating foods rich in important nutrients, reducing fat and calories, monitoring salt and sugar intake, and drinking more water.  Other healthy eating tips include:

• Vary your veggies
• Make half your grains whole
• Focus on fruits
• Go lean with protein
• Choose calcium-rich foods

The Challenges...

Limited accessibility to fresh and affordable produce

Unhealthy habits formed during childhood like too much TV and high-fat snack foods

Limited amounts of physical activity along with increased portion sizes

The Solutions...

Remember, healthy eating begins at birth.  Breast milk is the ideal food for babies and breastfeeding is beneficial to mothers, too. 

Small changes can make a big difference in your health.  Try making changes one step at a time.  Try one of the following tips for one week and add another one the next week.  With time and patience, you can improve your current eating habits or make your good eating habits even better!

• Reduce the amount of foods you eat that are high in fat and sugar.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables.
• Drink more water.
• Consume more low-fat dairy products like yogurt, cheese and milk.