What Is Healthy?

Have you ever resolved to get healthy but then lost steam when you tried to figure out just what exactly “healthy” means to you? Well, you’re not alone. There are so many conflicting messages about healthy eating and everyone is unique. Our healthy eating team knows there’s no single path to healthier eating, but they have outlined a few basic principles to help you make healthier choices along the way.

Have you ever resolved to get healthy but then lost steam when you tried to figure out just what exactly “healthy” means to you? Well, you’re not alone. There are so many conflicting messages about healthy eating — one day people are saying that butter is an indulgence, the next day people are saying that butter is your new BFF.To help sort through all these claims, Whole Foods Market assembled an expert team of medical doctors, registered dietitians and chefs. They review the latest scientific research and take into account health guidelines proposed by the USDA, FDA, World Health Organization and the American Heart Association.

Our healthy eating team knows that everyone is unique. There’s no single path to healthier eating, but they have outlined a few basic principles to help you make healthier choices along the way:

Eat closer to nature. In general, unprocessed foods contain more nutrients.

Fill your plate with plants such as vegetables, beans, whole grains and fruits.

Choose healthy fats. You can get what you need from eating whole plant foods.

Get more bang for your bite with foods that are rich in nutrients when compared to total calories.

Sounds pretty straightforward, right? But sometimes the devil is the details. How do you get from knowledge to action? How do you incorporate these four basic principles into the way you shop and cook and eat?

No worries! Our team of experts has been hard at work on practical resources to help with every step along the way, including:

Healthy Meal Plans opens in a new tabOur five weeks of healthy meal plans feature delicious, satisfying recipes that follow our four basic guidelines for a healthier you — including Layered Vegetable Enchiladas opens in a new tab, Quick and Easy Veggie Chili opens in a new tab, Sesame Peanut Noodles opens in a new tab, and a Veggie Burger opens in a new tab.

If you’re looking for more healthy recipes, visit our Recipes page opens in a new tab, and choose Health Starts Here® in the Advanced Search options. You’ll find everything from breakfasts to snacks to healthy dessert options, such as luscious Chocolate Pudding opens in a new tab.

Chocolate PuddingWhat tips have guided you on your path to healthier eating? Share some inspiration in the comments.

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