Food choices depend on history, culture and environment, as well as on energy and nutrient needs. People eat foods also for enjoyment. Family, friends and beliefs play a major role in the ways people select foods and plan meals. Nutrition is important in all stages of the life style. Healthful diets help children grow, develop and do well in school.
Healthful diets enable people of all ages to work productively and feel their best.
Food choices can also help to reduce the risk for chronic diseases, such as heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, stroke and osteoporosis, that are leading causes of death and disability among Americans. Healthful diets contain the amounts of essential nutrients and calories needed to prevent nutritional deficiencies and excesses. Healthful diets also provide the right balance of carbohydrate, fat and protein to reduce risks for chronic diseases, and are a part of a full and productive lifestyle. Such diets are obtained from a variety of foods that are available, affordable and enjoyable. Healthful diets include choosing moderate amounts of foods from all of the food groups.