LAS VEGAS (March 26, 2026) — In recognition of National Nutrition Month this March, Health Plan of Nevada is encouraging families to take simple, sustainable steps toward improving their nutritional health and overall well-being. Good nutrition plays a critical role not only in maintaining a healthy weight but also in supporting healthy aging and reducing the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Despite the well-documented benefits of a balanced diet, many Americans fall short of recommended daily intake levels. Recent data shows that only a small percentage of adults consume adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables each day, underscoring the need for increased awareness and education around healthy eating habits.
“Nutrition is a cornerstone of long-term health, and small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference,” said Courtney Schauder, Health Engagement Consultant for UnitedHealthcare. “By focusing on nutrient-rich foods and building healthy habits early, families can support better health outcomes at every stage of life.”
Here are some tips from Health Plan of Nevada for individuals to help promote strong nutritional health:
· Encourage healthy eating from a young age. According to the CDC, fewer than 1 in 10 children and adults eat the recommended daily amount of vegetables, and only 4 in 10 meet fruit recommendations. A great way to ensure children receive a nutritionally balanced, healthy, and appealing meal is to pack a healthy school lunch. Swap out added sugars, such as those found in grain-based desserts, breakfast cereals, yogurts, and flavored milks, with fresh-cut fruits and veggies, whole grains, seafood, beans, low-fat dairy products, or lean meats and poultry.
· Limit or avoid foods high in added sugar, carbohydrates, and saturated fat. Most foods can fit into a healthy eating pattern when consumed in moderation. However, according to the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines, some foods and beverages that are higher in added sugar, saturated fat, and sodium should be limited, including:
o Alcoholic beverages: If adults of legal drinking age choose to drink alcohol, they should limit their intake to two drinks per day for men or one drink or less per day for women. Some people should avoid drinking alcohol altogether, including women who are pregnant and those with certain health conditions.
o Sodium: Adults should consume less than 2,300 milligrams per day – even less for children under 14. High sodium content is often found in highly processed foods and should be avoided.
o Added sugars: Added sugars can be hard to spot. To help identify sources of added sugars, look for ingredients that include the word “sugar” or “syrup” or end in “-ose.”
o Saturated fat: Healthy fats from meats, poultry, and eggs are essential in a balanced diet; however, saturated fat intake should not exceed 10% of total daily calories.
· Understand the most important guidelines. Food and diet can be customized to reflect personal preferences, budgetary restrictions and cultural traditions. The USDA recommends that Americans meet their nutritional needs through consuming nutrient-dense foods and beverages and staying within daily calorie limits.
Making dietary changes can feel overwhelming, but small adjustments can lead to lasting benefits. Simply becoming more aware of how food choices impact health is a strong starting point. Research consistently shows that healthy eating patterns can help individuals maintain good health and reduce the risk of chronic disease throughout life.
Health Plan of Nevada encourages individuals and families to explore trusted resources, such as national dietary guidelines, to build a personalized and sustainable approach to nutrition.
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About Health Plan of Nevada
Health Plan of Nevada is dedicated to helping people live healthier lives and making the health system work better for everyone by simplifying the health care experience, meeting consumer health and wellness needs, and sustaining trusted relationships with care providers. In Nevada, Health Plan of Nevada offers health benefit programs for individuals, employers and Medicaid beneficiaries. Health Plan of Nevada is part of UnitedHealthcare, one of the businesses of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH), a diversified health care company. For more information, visit HealthPlanofNevada.com.
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