Integrating Healthy Eating and Drinking into Daily Life

Abstract

Poor eating and drinking habits and physical inactivity have contributed to the prevalence of chronic diseases in the USA such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. These conditions are preventable by integrating healthy eating and drinking habits into daily life. Strategies for healthy eating such as volumetrics, mindful eating, and intuitive eating assist individuals in controlling their daily intake foods and beverages while supporting healthy food choices. There are also several resources available for the consumer to encourage healthy eating. One resource is the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which provides scientific, evidence-based food and beverage recommendations for toddlers through the elder years. The Guidelines aim to promote health, prevent chronic disease, and help people reach and maintain a healthy weight. The purpose of this chapter is: (1) to address the role of the registered dietitian as the food and nutrition expert who can assist individuals in integrating healthy eating and drinking practices in their lifestyle; (2) to review strategies for healthy eating such as volumetrics, mindful eating, and intuitive eating; (3) to discuss the resources and tools for healthy eating such as the 2015–2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans; (4) to review the beverages that consumers choose on a daily basis; and (5) to present reliable information on the Internet, social media, apps, and blogs about healthy dietary and fitness practices for consumers.