Step 4B: Lifestyle Risk Factors - Healthy Diet

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Many of the major causes of illness and death in the United States are related to poor diet and a sedentary lifestyle. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans offers guidance to the American public on eating patterns that are known to promote health and reduce the risk of chronic disease for most adults.

The current Dietary Guidelines encourages most Americans to "eat fewer calories, be more active, and make wiser food choices", and is applicable to the food preferences of different racial/ethnic groups, vegetarians and others.

1. How often do you eat 5 or more servings of fruits & vegetables?
- One serving of fruit = ½ cup fresh, frozen or canned fruit; ½ cup 100% fruit juice, 1 medium fruit, or ¼ cup dried fruit.
- One serving of vegetables = ½ cup raw or cooked vegetables, ½ cup 100% vegetable juice, or 1 cup raw leafy vegetables. Every day
Most days
Some days
Almost never
Never
Don't know / Not sure

2. How often do you eat 3 or more servings of whole-grain bread, rice, pasta or cereal?
- One serving = 1 slice bread, 1 cup dry cereal, or ½ cup cooked rice, pasta or cereal. Every day
Most days
Some days
Almost never
Never
Don't know / Not sure

3. How often do you choose foods lower in saturated fats instead of higher-fat choices? For example:
- fat-free or low-fat milk products instead of whole milk; or,
- lean meat, poultry, fish, or dry beans or peas instead of higher-fat choices like beef, pork or luncheon meats. Always
Almost always
Sometimes
Almost never
Never
Don't know / Not sure

Please note that anyone with a chronic disease or other health condition should consult a health care provider to determine the dietary pattern most appropriate for them.