What is healthy eating?
Healthy eating is choosing foods that provide you with nutrients your body needs to function at its best. Healthy eating does not mean eating only "health foods" or restricting what you like to eat. You can eat all foods, as long as your diet is balanced and varied and you eat foods in moderation. When you eat, you should be able to both enjoy yourself and give your body what it needs to be healthy.

Why is healthy eating important?

Your diet plays an important role in helping you:

• Meet your nutritional needs. A varied, balanced diet provides the nutrients you need to avoid nutritional deficiencies. Nonnutrients (such as fiber and phytochemicals) also are a part of your nutritional needs.
• Prevent and treat certain diseases. Your diet can affect your risk of developing certain diseases, such as cancer and heart disease, and is important in treating diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. Following a special diet can reduce symptoms and may help you better manage a disease.
• Enjoy life. Food is an important part of cultural and social events. It not only provides nutrition but a connection between people. A healthful diet also may make you feel better, provide you with more energy, and help you fight stress.
• Stay fit and manage your weight. For more information, seen the topics Fitness, Healthy Weight, and Obesity.

How can I evaluate my eating behavior?
Evaluate your eating behavior by looking at what, how, and why you eat. Many factors can affect your eating behavior, including a busy lifestyle, how your family eats, your stress level, and your knowledge of nutrition.

You can evaluate your diet by keeping track of what you eat and comparing it to a recommended guideline, such as the food guide pyramid. It is then possible to change your eating behavior, one step at time.

Does everyone have the same dietary needs?
No. Although everyone benefits from eating well, some people have specific dietary needs. Pregnant women, growing children, and older adults may need different amounts of some nutrients than adults. People with health problems, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels, also may have different nutritional needs than healthy people.

What changes can I expect?
As you change your eating behavior, you may have greater energy, be more alert, and feel better overall. Your body shape may change, as well as your skin tone and color.

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