The information presented here has been reviewed by experts at the City of Detroit Department of Health and Wellness. It is not a tool for self-diagnosis or substitute for medical treatment. You should speak to your physician if you have questions or concerns about this information or your medical condition.
OVERVIEW
Many serious health conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, diabetes and some forms of cancer, are directly linked to our diets and kill an estimated 3 out of 4 Americans each year. Everyone is at risk for developing a diet-related chronic illness. A person increases his/her chances for developing one of the abovementioned conditions when they do not eat enough fruits and vegetables and/or eat too many foods high in fat and sugar. Healthy eating works in conjunction with regular physical activity to reduce the likelihood of preventable diseases. This includes eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and less fat and sugar. Having a well balanced diet is also a critical part of weight management and fighting the obesity epidemic. Eating a well-balanced and nutritious diet is important for people of all ages and sizes. Please note that taking multivitamins or supplements does not substitute for nutritious foods! Pills cannot offer all of the vitamins, minerals, fiber and disease-fighting nutrients found in fruits and vegetables. In this phase of Movement for Life, we will focus on the basic components of a healthy diet and ways to prepare and enjoy healthy meals.