LibGuides: Talking with Patients about Nutrition: Nutrition

What is nutrition?

EVERYTHING YOU EAT AND DRINK MATTERS....

Nutrition is the act or process of nourishing or being nourished; specifically: the sum of the processes by which an animal or plant takes in and utilizes food substances (Merriam-Webster).

Food nourishes the body by supplying nutrients and calories that produce energy.

Nutrition Guidelines

Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020
Dietary Guidelines for Americans has been published every 5 years since 1980. The focus of the 2015-2020 edition is healthy eating patterns.
ChooseMyPlate.gov
Illustrates the 5 food groups that are essential for a healthy diet and offers resources for choosing the right foods and tips for developing healthy eating styles and physical activity.
Create Your Plate
Interactive guide to help balance meals to manage diabetes from the American Diabetes Association.

Reading Food and Nutrition Labels

How to Understand and Use the Nutrition Facts Label
Information on how to read nutrition facts labels, serving size, calories, etc.
Figuring Out Food Labels
How to read a food label.
How to Use the Nutrition Facts Label
Tips sheet for using the Nutrition Facts label.

Apps

Fooducate Nutrition Tracker
Tracks meals, calories, carbs, and more.
Lose It! Calorie Counter
Log good by taking a photo, track weight, serving size guide, meal planning, and more.

Nutrition & Healthy Weight

Measuring Body Fat
How to determine Body Mass Index (BMI) and what it means.
Portion Distortion Quiz
Interactive quiz on how food portions have changed in 20 years. Printable version
GO, SLOW, and WHOA Foods
Chart of GO (almost anytime), SLOW (sometimes), and WHOA (once in a while) foods.
Making Healthier Food Choices
Tips on making healthier choices at home and when dining out.
Healthy Eating: Know Your Food Groups
Information and tips on food groups: grains, vegetables, fruits, protein, dairy, oils, and solid fats and added sugars.