• English
    X

    Google Translate Disclaimer

    The Maryland Department of Information Technology (“DoIT”) offers translations of the content through Google Translate. Because Google Translate is an external website, DoIT does not control the quality or accuracy of translated content. All DoIT content is filtered through Google Translate which may result in unexpected and unpredictable degradation of portions of text, images and the general appearance on translated pages. Google Translate may maintain unique privacy and use policies. These policies are not controlled by DoIT and are not associated with DoIT’s privacy and use policies. After selecting a translation option, users will be notified that they are leaving DoIT’s website. Users should consult the original English content on DoIT’s website if there are any questions about the translated content.

    DoIT uses Google Translate to provide language translations of its content. Google Translate is a free, automated service that relies on data and technology to provide its translations. The Google Translate feature is provided for informational purposes only. Translations cannot be guaranteed as exact or without the inclusion of incorrect or inappropriate language. Google Translate is a third-party service and site users will be leaving DoIT to utilize translated content. As such, DoIT does not guarantee and does not accept responsibility for, the accuracy, reliability, or performance of this service nor the limitations provided by this service, such as the inability to translate specific files like PDFs and graphics (e.g. .jpgs, .gifs, etc.).

    DoIT provides Google Translate as an online tool for its users, but DoIT does not directly endorse the website or imply that it is the only solution available to users. All site visitors may choose to use alternate tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use DoIT content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk. DoIT is not liable for any loss or damages arising out of, or issues related to, the use of or reliance on translated content. DoIT assumes no liability for any site visitor’s activities in connection with use of the Google Translate functionality or content.

    The Google Translate service is a means by which DoIT offers translations of content and is meant solely for the convenience of non-English speaking users of the website. The translated content is provided directly and dynamically by Google; DoIT has no direct control over the translated content as it appears using this tool. Therefore, in all contexts, the English content, as directly provided by DoIT is to be held authoritative.

    Nutrition

    Good nutrition is essential in keeping current and future generations of Marylanders healthy across the lifespan. The availability of healthy, affordable foods contributes to a person’s diet and risk of related chronic diseases. ​


    Benefits of Eating Healthy

    Some benefits of a healthy diet include:

    • May contribute to a longer life.
    • Keeps skin, teeth and eyes healthy.
    • Supports muscles.
    • Improves the immune system.
    • Increases bone strength.
    • Reduces the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.
    • Supports healthy pregnancies and breastfeeding.
    • Helps the digestive system function.
    • Helps achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

    Healthy Eating Tips​

    Small changes can help improve the nutritional value of meals.
    • Add a variety of colors to the plate. Fruits and vegetables with different colors are loaded with vitamins, fiber and minerals. Learn more about variety of fruits and vegetables colors
    • Reduce food choices with high sodium (salt) levels. Limit foods that contain high amounts of salt such as processed and prepackaged foods. Choose seasonings that are fresh such as lemon, lime or fresh herbs.
    • Add healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, seeds, salmon, tuna and oils (olive oil or sesame) to meals. Healthy fats can be used in salads, cooking meats or even smoothies.
    • Increase fiber intake. Fiber helps control blood sugar and lower cholesterol levels. Foods that are a good source of fiber are fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and peas. 

    Healthy Food Environments

    Having healthy food available and affordable in food retail and food service settings allows people to make healthier food choices. When healthy foods are not available, people may settle for foods that are higher in calories and lower in nutritional value.

    Many strategies can contribute to healthy food environments. These include:​
    • Applying nutrition standards in childcare facilities, schools, hospitals, and worksites.
    • Providing incentives for supermarkets or farmers’ markets to establish their businesses in underserved areas.
    • Having nutrition information and caloric content on restaurant and fast food menus.

    Food and Nutrition Security

    Food security means all individuals, at all times, have both physical and economic access to sufficient food to meet dietary needs for normal growth and a productive and healthy life. In order for a household to be considered food secure, food must be available, accessible, and each individual in the household must be able to reliably utilize the food they obtain. Food insecurity is a socially-rooted and systemic issue and has only increased in prevalence since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Healthy Eating Resources

    MyPlate Kitchen - CDC
    Heart Healthy Recipes - National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
    Meal Planning - CDC
    Healthy Eating - National Institute on Aging
    Healthy Eating for a Healthy Weight - CDC
    Healthy Eating During Pregnancy - ACOG
    Food Assistance and Food Systems Resources - CDC​