The MyPlate is a great place to start! This guideline helps you find your personal healthy eating style and improve your nutrition step by step. Eating healthy is a journey that will change over time, but getting a good start can support long-term health. Remember that all food and beverage choices can have an impact. A focus on variety, amount, and balance is the first step.
Choose foods from all food groups including fruits, vegetables, grains, protein foods, dairy, and healthy fats.
Try to make half your plate fruits and vegetables.
Eat more whole grains.
Move to low-fat and fat-free dairy.
Vary the proteins you choose—choose more plant-based or lean options.
Eat the right amount of food for you based on your age, sex, height, weight, physical activity goals, and personal goals.
Work toward relying on your body’s cues for how much food you need for adequate fuel.
Choose an eating style that is low in saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars, but still includes foods you enjoy.
Make small changes to create a healthier eating style over time.
Keep a food journal to assess your intake and improvements.
University of Iowa students can schedule an appointment with a provider at Student Health and Wellness online through their MyChart account or by calling 1-319-335-8394.
The contents of this website are for information purposes only and not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not rely on the information provided for medical decision making and should direct all questions regarding medical matters to their physician or other health care provider. Use of this information does not create an express or implied physician-patient relationship.