[Image: MyPyramid Logo]Eating well is vital for everyone at all ages. Whatever your age, your daily food choices can make an important difference in your health and in how you look and feel.
Food provides the energy and nutrients you need to be healthy. Nutrients include proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals and water.
Studies show that a healthy diet reduces your risk of osteoporosis, Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and certain cancers. As you age, you might need less energy. But you still need just as many of the nutrients in food. To get them
- Choose a variety of healthy foods such as low-fat milk products, fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Avoid empty calories, which are foods with lots of calories but few nutrients, such as chips, cookies, soda and alcohol
- Pick foods that are low in cholesterol and fat, especially saturated and trans fats
*Saturated fats are usually fats that come from animals.
*Be sure the trans fat amount is "0" on the labels of processed foods, margarines and shortenings.