At University of Vermont Health, we know that food, environment and nutrition play a critical role in well-being. We offer comprehensive support tailored to your health goals.
A Healthy Diet is Essential for Your Overall Health
It can be hard to know where to start when it comes to changing your eating habits. At University of Vermont Health, we offer a range of resources and services to support you in reaching your nutrition goals – whether you’re trying to lose or gain weight, manage a medical condition, or simply live a long and healthy life.
What is a Healthy Diet?
A healthy diet can mean many different things and will vary from person to person. In general, experts agree that a healthy diet:
- Includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains (such as oats or brown rice) and fat-free or low-fat dairy products
- Incorporates a variety of protein sources, such as lean meats, poultry, seafood, eggs, legumes (beans and peas), nuts and seeds, and soy products
- Is low in saturated fat, added sugar, sodium (salt) and cholesterol
- Stays within your personal daily calorie needs
Benefits of Healthy Nutrition
A nutritious diet has many benefits for all parts of the body and your overall well-being. Eating healthy foods:
- Reduces your risk of serious conditions like heart disease, diabetes and cancer
- Helps you achieve and maintain a healthy weight
- Gives you the energy to participate in your daily activities
- Supports strong teeth and bones
- Helps you maintain a healthier lifestyle
Culinary Medicine
University of Vermont Medical Center's Culinary Medicine program combines the joy of cooking, the science of nutrition and wonder of the natural world to support your health goals.
Healthy Nutrition Services at UVM Health
UVM Health offers nutrition support tailored to your goals and specific medical needs.
Medical nutrition therapy (clinical nutrition) treats and manages a range of health conditions. Registered dietitians (RDs) offer customized nutrition plans and one-on-one counseling for patients with conditions such as:
Nutrition counseling offers personalized guidance on healthy eating in a non-medical setting. A registered dietitian will work with you to set nutritional goals and create a diet plan to help you meet them.
Nutrition counseling is available in primary care offices throughout UVM Health.
Resources
We offer many resources to help you improve your eating habits and access to healthy food.
- Recipe Cards: Healthy recipes developed by our Culinary Medicine team
- What's That Food? An educational video series produced by our Culinary Medicine team with simple and cost-effective tips, recipes and cooking instructions to include more plant-based food in your diet.
We offer many resources to help you improve your eating habits, including:
- The Giving Fridge: A healthy prepared meal program that makes nutritious, local food accessible to those experiencing food insecurity.
- VeggieVanGo: Run by the Vermont Foodbank, this program brings thousands of pounds of produce to individuals and families around the state every month. Events are regularly held at Central Vermont Medical Center and Porter Medical Center.
- Regional Healthy Food Guide: How to find, select and access healthy foods near you.
- Get Healthy North Country: The North Country Chronic Disease Prevention Coalition is a network of health care providers, public health agencies, and nonprofits working to reduce the prevalence of diabetes and other chronic diseases across the region.
- New York Health Foundation: Their goal is to connect New Yorkers with the food they need to thrive. Food security exists when all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.
- North Country Produce Prescription Project (NC FVRx): Addresses rural community food access and nutrition insecurity through a six-county regional program.
