Eating healthy means different things to different people, and the volume of information (and misinformation) available with just a few clicks can make it seem like a hopelessly complicated project. But it really doesn't have to be — as long as you know where to look.
MyPlate.gov, published by the United States Department of Agriculture, shows how to divide up your plate to create balanced meals with each food group represented. Click on each food group and you'll see more detailed information about nutritional benefits, serving sizes, and what to look for at the grocery store.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (eatright.org) provides evidence-based information about health and nutrition for people at all life stages. EatRight also provides a large library of dietitian-developed recipes with complete nutrition information. The Academy also tackles fad diets and trendy products to help you cut through the marketing jargon and find a healthy, sustainable balance.
The Nutrition Source, a project from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, offers its own interactive balanced plate — and it's available in 25 languages. The Nutrition Source's plate differs from the USDA's, with a greater emphasis on vegetables and the addition of healthy oils. And since nutrition is just one part of a healthy lifestyle, the project also includes guidance about sleep, stress, disease prevention, and weight management.
