The key is to follow a healthy eating pattern.
Choose a variety of nutrient-dense foods in the right amounts for you. It’s not a rigid plan or fixed dietary prescription. A healthy eating pattern focuses on the food and beverages you eat over time.
Why is a healthy eating pattern important?
Research shows that a healthy eating pattern has the greatest impact on your health and may help minimize diet-related chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
It’s important to establish a healthy dietary pattern from birth because it sets eating behavior throughout life.
A healthy eating pattern consists of nutrient-dense foods and beverages.
Common foods associated with a healthy eating pattern include:
FRUITS
LEGUMES
NUTS
LEAN MEATS
& POULTRY
WHOLE GRAINS
SEAFOOD
VEGETABLES
LOW OR NON-
FAT DAIRY
UNSATURATED
VEGETABLE OILS
Creating meals using these foods should be the cornerstone of your family meals. Only a small amount of your daily food choices should include added sugars, saturated fat, and alcohol.
Nutrient-dense avocados can be included in a healthy dietary pattern throughout life.
Dietary habits established in childhood often carry into adulthood, so teaching children how to eat healthy at a young age will help them develop healthy eating patterns throughout their lives.
Starting in the first year of life, the avocado’s smooth, creamy consistency makes it a great and healthy first food for baby*. Then as children grow, avocados can be included in meals as a dip, or as a topping on sandwiches, soups and eggs. The unique flavor and nutrient profile of avocados makes them a healthy meal addition for all age groups. They can be enjoyed alone or stuffed, in salads, on toast or even used in desserts.
* Before starting or introducing new foods, parents and caregivers should consult a physician or health care provider
