Nutrition and Healthy Eating
Access to nutritious, healthy foods affects your quality of life and wellbeing. But things like transportation and financial stability can affect whether you can afford and bring home groceries. This can lead to food insecurity, which contributes to chronic health problems.
The Role of Food in Healthy Living
Your body needs healthy food to function and thrive. Food allows your brain to learn new things and make decisions and gives you the energy to play, socialize and exercise. Our bodies work the best when we fuel them with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, leafy greens and plenty of water.
Talk to your medical provider or a registered dietitian. You can ask for diet advice that takes into account your health, lifestyle and food preferences.
Eating a healthy diet can help reduce your risk for conditions and diseases including:
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Obesity
Five Food Groups
You should consume foods from the five food groups every day:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Carbohydrates and grains
- Proteins
- Dairy
- Fats and oils
Water is also an essential nutrient, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Nutrition in Bexar County
According to the Bexar County Community Health Needs Assessment, less than 20% of adults consumed the recommended five servings of fruits or vegetables per day.
According to Bexar Data Dive, 14% of Bexar County residents were food insecure in 2021. About 63% of eligible families received SNAP benefits.
University Health Resources
Primary Care
University Health primary care providers can provide education about healthy eating. Find a primary care clinic near you.
Find Resources Near You
Find community gardens, food pantries, nutrition education, help paying for food and more using our online tool.
Nutrition & General Wellness Online Library
Explore our online library for healthy recipes, nutrition facts and more information about healthy living.
HealthFocus SA Blog
Find dietitian-approved recipes on our HealthFocus SA blog.
University Health Senior Services PlatinumU Program
PlatinumU is a free program for San Antonio adults aged 60 and older. PlatinumU members learn about healthy eating and how to cook nutritious recipes at home.
Community Resources
Senior Nutrition Program
The City of San Antonio hosts free lunches every weekday at senior centers across the city. For more information, please call 210-207-7172.
San Antonio Food Bank
The San Antonio Food Bank has a number of nutrition, health and wellness programs for children, adults, seniors and even pets. They also provide job assistance, host farmers’ markets and operate a Mobile Mercado. Learn more on their website.
MyPlate
The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers MyPlate. Enter information about your height, weight, sex and physical activity level to see how to fill up your plate.