Overview of Meriter
Virtual Tour of Meriter
Meriter Physicians
Commitment to Quality
More
Patient Center
Meriter Hospital
Meriter Medical Clinics
Meriter Medical Group
Meriter Laboratories
Meriter Home Health
Meriter News
Video Showcase
Meriter Awards
Site Features
More
Meriter Stories
Birth Experiences
What’s Your Story?
Meriter Classes & Events
Discussion Boards
Meriter Newsstand
More
Maps/Directions
Online Gift Shop
Meriter E-Cards
Cafeteria/Coffee Shop
More
Job Postings
How to Apply
Career Paths at Meriter
Nursing at Meriter
Employee Benefits
More
Give to Meriter Foundation
Become a Volunteer
More
Feedback Form
Customer Satisfaction Survey
Web Site Survey
Browse Our Encyclopedia
for for Diseases & Conditions, Surgeries & Procedures
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z
Search Healthy Living
Go
Increase Text Size
Healthy Living Home
Meriter Resources
Classes and Events
Discussion Boards
The Meriter Newsstand
Community Resources
Library
Healthy Living
Back and Neck Care
Blood Pressure
Cholesterol
Fitness
Mental Health
Nutrition
Nutrition Basics
Healthy Choices
Fats and Cholesterol
Vitamins and Minerals
Vegetarian Eating
Nutrition Tools: Labels, Portions and Pyramids
Healthy Practices
Nutrition and Health Conditions
For Your Family
Children & Teens
Older Adults
Pregnant Women
More Resources
Health News
Healthy Recipes
Interactive Tools
Nutrition Facts
Online Resources
Smoking Cessation
Stress Management
Weight Management
Chemical Dependency
Health Centers
Your Family
Interactive Tools
About This Site
Nutrition
Nutrition Basics
Home
Healthy Living
Nutrition
Nutrition Basics
Healthy Choices
Do you eat for good nutrition? It means more than simply eating an apple a day. Think in terms of your food choices throughout the day, from breakfast to bedtime. All foods, including your favorites, can fit into a healthy eating plan.
Fats and Cholesterol
You need to consume some fat to maintain good nutrition. The American Heart Association (AHA) states no more than 30% of total calories should come from fat; while the USDA 2005 Dietary Guidelines recommend a range of 20 to 35 percent. Fat powers many of the body's processes. It also adds satiety to meals--making us feel full longer after eating. Improve your diet by putting a little knowledge of fats and oils into practice.
Vitamins and Minerals
You need vitamins to live. You also need certain minerals. Together, these substances, which are naturally found in food, help the body to grow and function. Adding vitamins and minerals to your diet can give your body a boost.
Vegetarian Eating
Going meatless may take a little more work than a regular diet, but the trade-off can be better health.
Nutrition Tools: Labels, Portions and Pyramids
You don't have to figure out good nutrition on your own. Use these tools to smooth the path to healthy eating.